Survey on the Attitudes toward Diversity among the Chiefs of Neurosurgery Departments affiliated with the Japanese Neurosurgical Society

This survey aimed to ascertain the attitudes of the chiefs of neurosurgery departments affiliated with the Japanese Neurosurgical Society toward “Work Style Reforms” to regulate overtime work for doctors based on the revised Medical Service Law enacted in May 2021, “Mandatory Paternity Leave” started from April 2022 based on revised Childcare and Family Care Leave Law, and “Women’s Neurosurgery Work.” A web-based questionnaire with 13 questions divided into 7 categories was distributed to 863 chiefs of neurosurgery departments affiliated with the Japanese Neurosurgical Society. We examined the responses of 420 responding chiefs (55.2% response rate). Most chiefs (82%) prioritized work, and roughly half (55%) were satisfied with their work-life balance. Although many chiefs were interested in “Work Style Reforms,” they also believed that the healthcare delivery system would be unsustainable. While 44% of chiefs expected an increased number of paternity leave takers, only 8.3% could correctly answer the source of the parental leave payments. Moreover, 64% of the chiefs believed that the actual work rate would decrease with an increased number of female physicians. It is apparent that the chiefs of the facilities are struggling between diversity and work style reforms.