[The length of the patient list, waiting lists, workload and job satisfaction among general practitioners in Bergen].
BACKGROUND
A list patient system was established in Norway in June 2001. Among general practitioners (GPs) there were much concern about workload according to list length, and about uneven distribution of workload among GPs.


METHODS
In February 2003 a questionnaire about working hours, waiting time for appointments and job satisfaction was sent to all GPs in Bergen.


RESULTS
160 out of 185 (85%) GPs replied. Working hours were closely related to list length, waiting time was not. 79% had a waiting time of less than eight "days in practice". 46% rated their job satisfaction within the list system as "good/very good", 37% were moderately satisfied. We found lower scores among GPs with long waiting time and a full list. No relevant differences between male and female GPs were found.


CONCLUSIONS
GPs adjust their working hours in order to cope with waiting time. Job satisfaction is lower when the GP has a waiting time of more than three weeks and a full list, factors that could indicate a heavy workload.
Hetlevik
Øystein
Ø
Arstad bydel, Bergen kommune Postboks 7715 5020 Bergen oystein@hetlevik.net
Hunskår
Steinar
S
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005194:Family Practice / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010822:Physicians, Women / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014850:Waiting Lists; D016526:Workload