Background: Currently no study exists focusing on international differences in perception of stress, working conditions and satisfaction of hospital staff. Therefore the present study aimed to examine and compare the work and privacy situation of Australian and German physicians.
Methods: The present study was designed as a cross-sectional comparison using questionnaire data. The population consisted of representative samples of 310 German and 256 Australian hospital doctors who received mailed questionnaires. The questionnaires contained items on demography, perception of stress, working conditions, job satisfaction and Life satisfaction.
Results: According to the comparison, German physicians perceived higher values of work stress. They work significantly longer hours than Australian doctors. In general, work intensity and demands are highly rated in both countries. In terms of job and life satisfaction, Australian doctors responded more positively than German doctors.
Conclusion: This is the first comparative study illustrating a subjective evaluation of physicians' perception of stress, their work and privacy situation in two different countries. Based on these results health policy decisions can be developed.