The effects of staff shortages in pathology in Austria – Status quo and possible strategies for the fut
Strieder, Ines (2023)
Strieder, Ines
2023
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023102728045
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023102728045
Tiivistelmä
Abstract
Background:
In the fight against cancer, a razor-sharp view of the smallest changes in cells is becoming increasingly important. Just
like a treatment that is individually tailored to the patient. The basic prerequisite for all this is a rapid diagnosis of
pathogenic changes. Due to staff shortages and a lack of young specialists in pathologies, this will become increasingly
difficult to accomplish in the future.
Task and goals:
In this research work, the effects of staff shortages in pathology are examined using qualitative research methods.
The aim is to collect data from pathology department staff in Austria on the impact of staff shortages on their daily
work life. The strategies for overcoming the lack of young talent are analyzed and compared with best practice
examples.
Method of implementation:
Using qualitative research methods, data were conducted in 9 expert interviews on the subject of staff shortages, the
effects and strategies to deal with them. In order to investigate the theory that an acquisition as early as possible at
the beginning of the career promises higher chances of success, the motives for choosing a career in the field of
pathology were also determined and with the expectations of 2 medical students in their practical year and those of
10 medical students at the beginning of their Basic modules matched. Their needs and wishes for their future
professional life as well as their expectations of the future of pathology were analyzed for the recommendations and
compared with the existing literature.
Results:
Investigated interventions, which can defuse the situation most effectively, are the nationwide expansion and use of
digital pathology and tele-pathology, in addition to the attractive activation of the two professional profiles of
pathologists and those of cytologically active BMA. It was also shown here that early recruitment at the beginning of
the training leads to greater success for later employment. Furthermore, the compatibility of work and family, which
is particularly important in pathology in contrast to other medical disciplines, should be further emphasized, and thus,
similar to the Swiss model, the professional group of female doctors and BMAs should be further developed.
Conclusion:
Future developments should be supported and financed far more by politicians, since the importance of the supply
guarantee has been shown and is therefore essential for maintaining the best possible medical supply for the Austrian
population.
Key words: staff shortage, pathological infrastructure, pathology, career choice motives
Background:
In the fight against cancer, a razor-sharp view of the smallest changes in cells is becoming increasingly important. Just
like a treatment that is individually tailored to the patient. The basic prerequisite for all this is a rapid diagnosis of
pathogenic changes. Due to staff shortages and a lack of young specialists in pathologies, this will become increasingly
difficult to accomplish in the future.
Task and goals:
In this research work, the effects of staff shortages in pathology are examined using qualitative research methods.
The aim is to collect data from pathology department staff in Austria on the impact of staff shortages on their daily
work life. The strategies for overcoming the lack of young talent are analyzed and compared with best practice
examples.
Method of implementation:
Using qualitative research methods, data were conducted in 9 expert interviews on the subject of staff shortages, the
effects and strategies to deal with them. In order to investigate the theory that an acquisition as early as possible at
the beginning of the career promises higher chances of success, the motives for choosing a career in the field of
pathology were also determined and with the expectations of 2 medical students in their practical year and those of
10 medical students at the beginning of their Basic modules matched. Their needs and wishes for their future
professional life as well as their expectations of the future of pathology were analyzed for the recommendations and
compared with the existing literature.
Results:
Investigated interventions, which can defuse the situation most effectively, are the nationwide expansion and use of
digital pathology and tele-pathology, in addition to the attractive activation of the two professional profiles of
pathologists and those of cytologically active BMA. It was also shown here that early recruitment at the beginning of
the training leads to greater success for later employment. Furthermore, the compatibility of work and family, which
is particularly important in pathology in contrast to other medical disciplines, should be further emphasized, and thus,
similar to the Swiss model, the professional group of female doctors and BMAs should be further developed.
Conclusion:
Future developments should be supported and financed far more by politicians, since the importance of the supply
guarantee has been shown and is therefore essential for maintaining the best possible medical supply for the Austrian
population.
Key words: staff shortage, pathological infrastructure, pathology, career choice motives