Descriptive study of the current status of the pediatric practice in Antioquia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Even though the implementation of the Law 100 of 1993 has given rise to profound changes in the medical attention services and working conditions of health service personnel, there are few studies that explore the impact on the latter. The purpose of the present study was to describe the current situation of pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists in Antioquia during the 2004-2005 period, with emphasis on social, workrelated and economic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Crossing the data bases of the Pediatrics Society of Antioquia and some pharmaceutical companies, a universe of 321 pediatricians was obtained, from which 220 were randomly interviewed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The resulting profile yielded a man (53.2%) or a woman (46.8%) aged 44.6 years, who graduated from the public local university (70.2%), works in the metropolitan area (94%), in a private institution (56.8%) on a second or third level health service. He/she has a work load of 8,62 hours a day, 5.51 days a week and works night shifts in 58.8% of cases. 43% earn less than $4.000.000,oo (Colombian pesos) for their activity as pediatricians and they feel satisfied with their professional activity, but not with the salary received or the hourly work load intensity. Families demand that more time is spent at home. These pediatricians are sedentary and regularly take part in continued medical education activities. This study constitutes an approach to the specific conditions of pediatrics in Antioquia and should be reproduced in other specialties and places throughout the country.