State Survey Shows that Workload was The Main Workplace Factor Affecting Health Workers
A first Medical Workforce Wellbeing Survey conducted with more than 2,000 doctors in Queensland has found that workload was the main workplace factor negatively affecting wellbeing
Issues with organisational processes, resources, culture, support, supervision, and professional development followed as major barriers for health professionals in the state.
Respondents wanted more staff, flexible work options, and better access to leave and relief cover. Wellbeing fulfilment rates were higher in rural and remote areas than in metropolitan and regional locations. The survey will be repeated within two years to track Queensland Health’s progress in implementing changes and improving staff wellbeing.
Queensland Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine McDougall stated that the survey results are being used to develop new programs and processes to support the wellbeing of medical officers statewide.
Dr McDougall said that the survey is one of several efforts aimed at improving wellbeing, supporting workforce retention, and maintaining quality care.
“The survey not only highlighted the great work already underway to support staff but also provided us with detailed feedback on how doctors feel about their work environment and where improvements can be made.
“One of the key results was that 49 per cent of clinicians surveyed met the threshold for risk of burnout, with burnout risk higher in rural and regional areas compared to metro areas.
Burnout in the medical profession is a challenge faced by health systems globally, not just in Queensland. Dr McDougall said that system-level reform and targeted local initiatives are being considered in response to the survey results, and that these measures will involve engagement and collaboration with staff.
Tailored reports are expected to be provided to individual hospitals and Health Services for local leadership to review and act upon. The new workforce plan aims to increase the health workforce by 46,000 workers by 2032.
AMA Queensland President Dr Nick Yim described the survey as a key strategy to help identify and address the wellbeing of doctors in Queensland.
“It tracks with our own 2025 Resident Hospital Health Check in showing higher levels of burnout and lower levels of professional fulfilment,” Dr Yim said.
“We need to address these indicators to make sure we don’t lose the doctors we already have.”
Dr Yim said a welcome revelation of the department’s survey was that non-metropolitan doctors reported significantly higher rates of professional fulfilment.
“Finding ways for purpose to reduce pressure – both on the system and doctors – would be a powerful step forward,” Dr Yim said.
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