SOURCES OF STRESS AND SATISFACTION IN CROWN HEALTH ENTERPRISE SENIOR MEDICAL STAFF

Aim. To report the sources of stress and satisfaction in the specialis t workforce of three crown health enterprises (CHEs). Method. Ninety e ight specialists in Northland Health, Waitemata Health and Southern He alth completed a questionnaire rating 39 factors for causing stress an d satisfaction in their daily work. Results. The commonest sources of stress for specialists were keeping up to date, carrying a heavy clini cal workload and time pressure generally. There were significant diffe rences between specialty groups as well as regional differences. Speci alists in two CHEs found dealing with management a major stressor. Thi s finding is a major difference from previous overseas studies. Conclu sions. Doing the job properly, having a job that seems worthwhile, hav ing control of one's professional life and a job that is interesting p rovide the greatest sources of work satisfaction for medical specialis ts.