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Switzerland boasts one of the world’s best and most costly healthcare systems. However, this system faces challenges, particularly in the context of a growing population and the exacerbation of demographic aging. The Institute for Surveys and Opinion Research (Gfs), commissioned by the Swiss Medical Association (FMH), conducted a survey to understand the opinions of 1,700 physicians. Here are some key findings.
Switzerland Faces a “Severe” Doctor Shortage
Approximately two-thirds of surveyed doctors, especially those working in psychiatric medicine (73%), consider the shortage of qualified staff a “somewhat serious” or “very serious” problem. This concern is escalating, marking a shift from the stability observed since 2011. The survey highlights a dual trend post-2020: the medical staff perceives recruitment as more challenging, yet they increasingly fear staff shortages in hospitals and clinics, compromising adequate care.
In a press release, the Swiss Medical Association stated that Switzerland currently lacks about 5,000 doctors and 15,000 nurses. While the education system aims to graduate 1,300 new doctors annually, practitioners believe this is insufficient, particularly with an impending retirement wave among the baby boomer generation, as over a quarter of Swiss doctors are currently over 60 years old.
Hospitals Rely Heavily on Foreign Medical Staff
Is the shortage of medical staff a Swiss luxury? Currently, nearly four out of ten doctors are foreigners, with just over half of them coming from Germany. While this reliance on foreign workers sustains the Swiss healthcare system, ethical questions arise. Jeanne Seroka of the Swiss Medical Association notes that “we cannot fill our gaps with workers from abroad indefinitely,” highlighting the ethical concerns of luring labor with higher salaries.
Physicians Feel Stress and Fatigue, Forced to Move Frequently
Around 83% of specialists, especially those in psychiatric care, report that the workforce shortage negatively impacts their physical and mental well-being. Nearly 70% of their colleagues contemplate resigning due to stress. Between 11% (specialized care) and 25% (general practitioners) plan to leave the profession in the coming years, with concerns ranging from workload burdens to long working hours.
While the survey doesn’t specify working hours, stories of epic workdays are common in the sector. A 2020 survey indicated that more than half of doctors work longer than the legal maximum of 50 hours per week. Administrative work has increased significantly, adding 25 minutes daily over the past decade, reaching 2.5 hours.
Good Patient Service, but Long Waiting Times
Patients express concerns about rising health insurance premiums, but Switzerland’s healthcare system remains one of the best globally. Surveyed doctors largely agree, praising the experience and top-tier medical equipment. However, the number of people worried about declining quality has slightly increased, particularly in psychiatric care.
Waiting times have become longer, with 74% of specialists, 70% of general practitioners, and 84% of psychiatric doctors acknowledging the increase. Patients generally wait around a month for specialized care and rehabilitation treatment, with psychiatric care taking even longer. While doctors acknowledge the impact of waiting times on recovery, it seldom hinders the process.
Difficulties in Finding Solutions
The survey doesn’t delve into detailed solutions for these issues. However, participants generally view one recent major reform positively: the 2019 initiative to enhance outpatient procedures and reduce the burden on inpatient care. Despite general satisfaction with this reform, participants are less content when considering potential effects on their specific fields.
The Swiss Medical Association continues to advocate for increased investment in training more doctors, both general practitioners and specialists. While this won’t solve all problems, as Deputy Head Philipp Igicman notes, “reducing administrative burdens and achieving a better work-life balance are priorities.” Igicman also calls for greater societal recognition of doctors to counter accusations that they are somehow responsible for rising healthcare costs.
In conclusion, Switzerland’s healthcare system, while globally lauded, grapples with critical challenges. The shortage of medical staff, the ethical implications of relying on foreign labor, physician stress and fatigue, and extended waiting times demand innovative and sustainable solutions for the Swiss healthcare landscape.
