Development of a prospective cohort study on the working conditions, health and career decisions of medical assistants (PRO-MFA)

Status:

ongoing

Aims:

Medical assistants (MFA) represent the largest occupational group in outpatient care and - as studies suggest - work under unfavourable psychosocial working conditions. However, the state of research on the MFA profession with regard to working conditions, health and career prospects, for example, remains inadequate and is characterized by outdated data, small samples and cross-sectional observations. The aim is to conduct a baseline survey of a cohort study among MFAs that does not exhibit the weaknesses of previous studies. The PRO-MFA study will be designed in such a way that a follow-up survey of the participants (e.g. after 3-5 years) is possible.

Activities/Methods:

In a systematic, iterative and participatory process, topics with high relevance for practice, politics and science are identified together with MFA and other stakeholders. In a multi-stage process, a questionnaire is developed and optimised to map these topics. In addition - as part of the study preparation - a manuscript based on existing qualitative data on verbal violence against MFA in practices will be prepared. An online survey will be conducted among MFAs, who will be contacted with the help of the Professional Association for MFAs (vmf), medical practices and vocational schools. Three publications are produced on topics prioritised in the course of the study, which are assigned to the subject areas of working conditions, career prospects and the health of MFAs.

Last Update: