Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41359043›Full record

ArticleZeitschrift fur Rheumatologie2026

[Flexible working time models in rheumatology : Results of a Germany-wide survey].

Ann-Christin Pecher, Katinka Albrecht, Xenofon Baraliakos, Johanna Callhoff, Eugen Feist, Isabell Haase, Michaela Koehm, Martin Krusche, Philipp Sewerin, Anna Voormann and 3 more

Abstract readEnglish Abstract
In one paragraph

Article in Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

13 authors.

Ann-Christin PecherMedizinische Klinik II, Hämatologie, Onkologie, klinische Immunologie und Rheumatologie, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Deutschland.
Katinka AlbrechtDeutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum (DRFZ) Berlin, Programmbereich Epidemiologie und Versorgungsforschung, Berlin, Deutschland.
Xenofon BaraliakosRheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Claudiusstraße 45, 44649, Herne, Deutschland.
Johanna CallhoffDeutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum (DRFZ) Berlin, Programmbereich Epidemiologie und Versorgungsforschung, Berlin, Deutschland.
Eugen FeistMagdeburg und Klinik für Rheumatologie und Klinische Immunologie, Experimentelle Rheumatologie der Otto-von-Guericke, Vogelsang-Gommern, Deutschland.
Isabell HaaseSektion für Rheumatologie und Entzündliche Systemerkrankungen in der III. Medizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Deutschland.
Michaela KoehmRheumatologie, Immunologie - Entzündungsmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Fraunhofer Institut für Translationale Medizin & Pharmakologie ITMP & Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune Mediated Diseases CIMD, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland.
Martin KruscheSektion für Rheumatologie und Entzündliche Systemerkrankungen in der III. Medizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Deutschland.
Philipp SewerinRheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Claudiusstraße 45, 44649, Herne, Deutschland.
Anna VoormannDeutsche Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie und klinische Immunologie e. V., Berlin, Deutschland.
Sarah OhrndorfDepartment of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland.
Johanna MuckeRheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Claudiusstraße 45, 44649, Herne, Deutschland. Johanna.Mucke@elisabethgruppe.de.
Kommission für Chancengleichheit der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie und Klinische Immunologie

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundDemographic change and a growing shortage of healthcare professionals pose significant challenges to the German healthcare system. Rheumatology is particularly affected due to increasing patient demand and evolving societal expectations regarding work-life balance, family compatibility, and gender equity. As a result, flexible working time models are gaining importance.

objectiveThis study aimed to assess existing and desired working time models in rheumatology, their feasibility, and perceived barriers from the perspectives of both employees and leadership.

methodsThe Commission of Equal Opportunities of the German Society for Rheumatology (DGRh) developed two online questionnaires targeting rheumatology healthcare professionals in employee and leadership roles asking about their current employment situation, existing flexible working time models, and preferences and feasibility of various working time models. The survey was distributed between September 2024 and March 2025 via the mailing lists of the DGRh and the Association of Rheumatological Acute Clinics (VRA), and via personal contacts by email, and subsequently evaluated descriptively.

resultsA total of 151 individuals participated (111 employees, 40 leaders). Part-time work, especially in outpatient care, was common and frequently desired. The 4‑day workweek and hybrid models (e.g., home office) were considered attractive but posed organizational challenges. Of the employees, 24% reported having changed jobs due to a lack of flexible options; 30% of leaders had lost staff for the same reason. Most respondents prioritized flexibility over reduced working hours.

conclusionFlexible working time models are generally desired and often feasible in rheumatology but require tailored implementation and structural support. They are essential for improving job satisfaction and staff retention and should be strategically promoted to ensure sustainable rheumatologic care.

Indexed as

Personnel Staffing and SchedulingRheumatologyWorkloadWork Schedule ToleranceAdultAttitude of Health PersonnelFemaleGermanyHumansJob SatisfactionLeadershipMaleMiddle AgedSurveys and QuestionnairesEqual opportunitiesJob satisfactionStaff shortageWorkforce retentionWorking models

Identifiers

PMID41359043
PMCPMC13144166

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.