Reforming the way doctors work: "Who will protect doctors?"

Work style reform for doctors

Japan's medical system has been supported in part by the long working hours of doctors. The "work style reform for doctors" is an initiative to improve this current situation and create an environment in which doctors can continue to work while staying healthy.

This will ensure the quality and safety of medical care provided to patients, while at the same time maintaining a sustainable medical care system for the future. In particular, a system that sets a limit on overtime hours for doctors will be introduced from April 2024.

Who will protect the doctors?

The following line is in a commercial aimed at raising awareness of how doctors work: (Reference link: YouTube video )

Doctors work hard at all times because they want to protect their patients.

But who will protect the doctors?

Surgeon leaves work early due to musculoskeletal disorder

According to a paper by Nicole Schinback of Boston Medical Center entitled "Burnout Leads to Premature Surgeon Retirement: A Nationwide Survey," a survey of 2,295 retiring physicians revealed that the number one reason surgeons retire early was "musculoskeletal disorders," such as back, shoulder, and neck pain. (Reference link: Journal of Surgery and Research )