Coping strategies of German primary care physicians when dealing with meaningless work in daily practice: a mixed-methods study
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Background Primary care physicians in Germany encounter tasks and situations in daily practice that they perceive as meaningless, including administrative tasks or structurally imposed work with limited perceived benefit for patient care. Such experiences may intensify psychological strain and reinforce an imbalance between effort and reward. This study examined how primary care physicians cope with meaningless situations and whether strategies differ by physician characteristics. Methods We conducted a mixed-methods study among primary care physicians in Germany. Quantitative data were collected via an online survey using the German Brief COPE questionnaire. Data from 187 participants with complete Brief COPE responses were analyzed. Coping strategies were grouped into problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidance-focused strategies. Group differences were examined by gender, specialty, region, practice type and professional experience. Qualitative data were collected through 24 semi-structured interviews and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Problem-focused strategies were used most frequently when dealing with meaningless situations. Women reported problem-focused coping strategies significantly more often than men. Avoidance-focused strategies differed by specialty, with internal medicine specialists reporting higher use than pediatricians. Increasing professional experience was negatively associated with problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies. Qualitative analysis identified three themes: (1) Dealing with feelings and thoughts through communication with others, (2) Taking responsibility for one’s own well-being and (3) Coping strategies cannot be applied. Conclusions Primary care physicians in Germany mainly use adaptive coping strategies when dealing with meaningless situations. However, these strategies are difficult to implement under current structural conditions. Prevention should therefore address both individual resources and structural barriers.
Source: Research Square
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225769701