Les conditions de travail à l'hôpital : Focus sur les faisant-fonction cadres de santé

This study explores the quality of life and working conditions (QLWC) of a specific group of professionals—acting healthcare executives (FFCDS)—who are emerging frontline managers grappling with deteriorating working conditions. In a context marked by budget cuts, QWTC is promoted by both institutional and research stakeholders as a strategy for overcoming the crisis from the top down (by improving working conditions and performance), with discussion forums (EDD) identified as a preferred tool. Taking a critical approach, we examine these two concepts (QVCT and EDD), their scope, and their significance based on the following research question: In what ways do EDDs serve as a lever for improving the quality of life and working conditions of FFCDS? To answer this, a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews and focus groups conducted with 31 FFCDS members between 2022 and 2024 sheds light on how EDDs currently function and their impact on the QVCT of FFCDS members. The results reveal a diversity of EDDs, including formal spaces—which in many cases are limited to rooms where directives from management are recorded—and a few more informal ones that not only support the management of actual work organization but also provide a space for the psychological and social processes that protect the health of FFCDS.