P-041 Contributing Factors to Sustainable Employability and Work Engagement of Physicians in a Hospital Setting

Abstract Introduction In the past decades the health care sector In Western countries has been facing multiple challenges such as increased workload, a growing complexity of care, growing costs and an aging and declining labor force. This negatively impacts the health and wellbeing of physicians, who report higher levels of burn-out, sickness absenteeism and turnover intentions. In addition, a rising number of upcoming physicians are quitting their traineeships. To maintain the quality and the accessibility of our healthcare system it is important to gain a deeper understanding of factors that support sustainable employability and wellbeing of physicians. This study aims to explore (1) the capability levels and work engagement levels amongst physicians in a hospital setting and (2) which factors are associated with their work engagement levels. Methods A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among 250 physicians working in a general hospital in the Netherlands. They filled out an online questionnaire on their work engagement levels, work capabilities, psychological capital, authenticity, autonomy and team climate experience. Descriptive analysis and multiple regression analysis will be used and a correction for gender, age and type of contract will be made. Results Full results will be available in September 2023. First preliminary findings show that higher levels of work capabilities, authenticity and psychological capital are associated with higher levels of work engagement. Discussion The cross-sectional nature of this study should be recognised as a limitation. Conclusion This study enriches our knowledge about which factors are associated with work engagement levels and capability levels of physicians in a hospital setting.