Pediatricians often work long hours, making it challenging to implement physician workstyle reforms. This study surveyed pediatric department heads at hospitals nationwide to assess the progress of workstyle reforms and hospital attributes. Questionnaires were sent to 835 hospitals, with valid responses from 232 department heads. Many items were reported as "already implemented." However, less than 70% had implemented "shift-based work schedules," "work flexibility for male physicians with childcare responsibilities," and "plans to achieve compliance with B-level or collaborative B-level standards." Physicians reporting slow progress were significantly more likely to work at national or public university hospitals and less likely at private hospitals. Additionally, 49.6% of respondents believed reforms would lower the quality and safety of healthcare, exceeding those who thought it would improve. Despite progress in workstyle reforms, concerns remain about their potential negative impact on medical care quality and safety.
