Working in evening, night and weekend shifts is an integrated part of general practice training for all postgraduate students. Depending on the assessment by the trainer and lecturers, the postgraduate student takes part in shifts with increasing independence as the training period progresses.

The maximum number of shifts is set out in the collective labor agreement of the SBOH, article 6. The Guideline on Shifts contains the starting points for an optimal educational climate during work in the General Practice Center. Postgraduate students must follow a mandatory introductory course at the General Practice Center before they can work there.

Night shifts are, in principle, not scheduled prior to weekly training days or multi-day courses.Special circumstances, such as illness and pregnancy, do not release the postgraduate student from the obligation to take part in the shifts. However, special arrangements are in place during and after pregnancy.