OC67 Career satisfaction among pediatric residents in two european countries (ireland and turkey): a comparative study

Aim The aim of this study was to conduct a nationwide evaluation of career satisfaction and training experience among residents in pediatrics in both Ireland and Turkey. Patients and methods Questionnaires were designed by the authors and distributed electronically in Turkey to paediatric residents. The same questionnaire was translated to English and distributed to pediatric residents in Ireland in paper format. Data was collected on demographics (age, gender), characteristics of training institution, exposure to physical or psychological violence, average number of night shifts per month and usage of antidepressants and was analysed using SPSS. Five hundred residents (332 (66.4%) female, 168 (33.6%) male) in Turkey and sixty-one residents (46 (75.4%) female, 15 (24.6%) male) in Ireland completed the questionnaire. Results Resident satisfaction was approximated using a composite score of academic and professional satisfaction. Resident satisfaction was rated higher in Ireland than in Turkey (p 0.05) Conclusion This international comparative study describes a wide variation in the level of career satisfaction among residents in pediatrics. Irish residents were reportedly more satisfied with training, less likely to have considered resigning from residency, worked fewer night shifts, reported lower rates of antidepressant use and less exposure to violence at work than their Turkish peers. Regional, cultural and social factors as well as variation in working conditions may impact resident satisfaction. Measures such as reducing frequency of night shifts and support from occupational health may improve resident experience. Collaboration between national training organisations may inspire ideas for positive change.