Job satisfaction, depressive and anxiety disorders among hospital personnel at IDI Sanità, Rome

Job satisfaction and psychological well-being of healthcare personnel and staff represent relevant issues for continuous quality improvement in health care organisations. The aim of this study was to evaluate job satisfaction, as well as the frequency of psychiatric minor disorders, among the personnel working at IDI Sanità, Rome (IDI-IRCCS and S. Carlo Hospital). An anonymous questionnaire was distributed, with the following sections:1) a validated set of items regarding various aspects of job satisfaction; 2) a 0 to 10 analogue scale to express a total satisfaction score; 3) the GHQ-12 to evaluate psychiatric symptoms. Relationships with hierarchical authorities, development possibilities, and role recognition were identified as the main determinants of being satisfied. It was observed a 6.2 mean satisfaction score. About 1/3 of respondents showed a high likelihood to develop symptoms of depression and anxiety. A high level of job satisfaction appeared as a protective factor for that kind of symptoms. Analysing job satisfaction levels and psychological symptoms among hospital personnel allows to identify the most important problems to solve. These will be the main targets of intervention.