Abstract: Objective To investigate the latent classes of workload among outpatient physicians in the Beijing and to identify the associated influencing factors. Methods A convenience sampling method was employed from March to April 2025 to select outpatient physicians from three hospitals in Beijing. Data concerning demographic characteristics and workload were collected. Latent class analysis was performed using Mplus 8.3. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the influencing factors associated with high workload. Results A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed, with 367 valid responses received, yielding a valid response rate of 91.75%. The workload of outpatient physicians was categorized into three distinct classes: a low-load group (n=61, 16.62%), a medium-load group (n=107, 29.16%), and a high-load group (n=199, 54.22%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that several factors were significant predictors of high workload (all P<0.05), including affiliation with a Grade A Class III hospital (OR=3.637), age <30 years (OR=2.343), age 30 to <40 years (OR=1.848), poor self-rated health status (OR=3.739), junior professional title (OR=2.306), intermediate professional title (OR=1.903), practicing in internal medicine (OR=3.333), surgery (OR=3.500), or pediatrics (OR=3.596), weekly outpatient hours ≥16 (OR=2.391), dissatisfaction with outpatient scheduling (OR=1.774), and positive screening for occupational burnout (OR=3.640). Conclusion A substantial proportion of outpatient physicians in the Beijing region experience a high workload. The primary determinants for workload stratification include hospital grade, age, department type, professional title, weekly outpatient duration, self-rated health, satisfaction with outpatient scheduling, and occupational burnout.

Key words: Outpatient, Physicians, Workload, Latent class analysis, Influencing factors