[The length of the patient list, waiting lists, workload and job satisfaction among general practitioners in Bergen].

BACKGROUND: A list patient system was established in Norway in June 2001. Among general practitioners (GPs) there were much concern about workload according to list length, and about uneven distribution of workload among GPs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In February 2003 a questionnaire about working hours, waiting time for appointments and job satisfaction was sent to all GPs in Bergen.

RESULTS: 160 out of 185 (85%) GPs replied. Working hours were closely related to list length, waiting time was not. 79% had a waiting time of less than eight "days in practice". 46% rated their job satisfaction within the list system as "good/very good", 37% were moderately satisfied. We found lower scores among GPs with long waiting time and a full list. No relevant differences between male and female GPs were found.

INTERPRETATION: GPs adjust their working hours in order to cope with waiting time. Job satisfaction is lower when the GP has a waiting time of more than three weeks and a full list, factors that could indicate a heavy workload.