PNEUMOLOGY RESIDENTS TRAINED IN CATALONIA , SPAIN (1989-1993)

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of the la test groups of pneumologists trained in hospitals in Catalonia, Spain, and to compare these results with international estimate rates on the need for pneumologists.METHODS: information was collected by a self-a dministered closed response questionnaire which was filled out during the first trimester of 1994 by the pneumologists trained in hospitals in Catalonia from 1989 to 1993. RESULTS: On hundred percent response t o the questionnaire was achieved (48 pneumologists). The first job fol lowing completion of resident training period consisted in being grant holders in the same department in 27 cases (56%), 15 (31%) received a contract as pneumologists, 2 (4%) as non-pneumologists physicians and 4 (8%) became unemployed. When the periods of 1989-1990 and 1992-1993 were compared, in the latter only 2/26 pneumologists directly obtaine d a contract on termination of training versus 13/22 from the former p eriod (p < 0.0003). Halft of the new pneumologists (24/48) performed o ther complementary laboral activities, the most frequent being the wor k in medical emergency areas. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the importance of t he respiratory diseases in health care, there is an increase in the nu mber of pneumologists with difficulties in working in his speciality. This situation shows the need for searching for secondary professional activities. This fact, together with the scarce of promotion of speci alized medical care, may enhance the risk of healt care quality in res piratory diseases not improving to the desired level.