Dataset Information

Survey of doctors' perception of professional values.

ABSTRACT:

Background

New challenges in the medical field of the third millennium emphasise the "humanization of medicine" leading to a redefinition of doctors' values, limits and roles. The study aims to assess whether there are different personality dimensions of physicians in relation to their perception of professional values and public expectations.

Methods

A questionnaire on the perception of professional values and the opinion on work in the medical field, work relationships and public expectations was administered to 374 doctors attending Continuing Medical Education courses.

Results

Two personality dimensions were identified: the first dimension (which we termed "Performance Attainment") is associated preeminently with values of competence, advocacy, confidentiality, spirit of enquiry, integrity, responsibility and commitment; the second dimension (which we called "Personal Involvement") focuses on concern and compassion. The doctors that have more difficulty accepting judgements on their activity are those who think that "Performance attainment" is less important (? = 6.01; p-value = 0.007). Instead, the doctors who believe "public expectation of the health system" is not high enough, tend to think that "Performance Attainment" is more important (? = -6.08; p-value = 0.024). The less importance is given to the values of "Personal Involvement", the less is the doctor's perception of having a leading role in respect to other health professionals (? = -2.37; p-value = 0.018).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that there are two different attitudes in terms of recognition and selection of the essential values to better practice the medical profession. Whether the doctors attach more importance to one dimension or the other, they do not differ in our analysis for how they answered the questions about relationships with patients, colleagues or family commitments in the questionnaire, even if they work in different areas. This suggests that in our research there is no single personal attitude that characterizes "a good doctor".

SUBMITTER: Minicuci N

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7769469 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Survey of doctors' perception of professional values.

Minicuci Nadia N Giorato Cinzia C Rocco Ilaria I Lloyd-Sherlock Peter P Avruscio Giampiero G Cardin Fabrizio F

PloS one 20201228 12

<h4>Background</h4>New challenges in the medical field of the third millennium emphasise the "humanization of medicine" leading to a redefinition of doctors' values, limits and roles. The study aims to assess whether there are different personality dimensions of physicians in relation to their perception of professional values and public expectations.<h4>Methods</h4>A questionnaire on the perception of professional values and the opinion on work in the medical field, work relationships and publi ...[more]

PMID: 33370373

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Project description:BackgroundAn increase in the number of medical disputes and violence against doctors indicates a lack of trust in the medical profession by society in Chinese public hospitals. Empirical evidence confirms that one cause is the lack of professional identity demonstrated by doctors. Medical professionals are required to maintain high standards of competence and moral responsibility, and demonstrate qualities such as respect, compassion, integrity, responsiveness to needs, and commitment to sound ethical practice in order to maintain professional privilege. These principles and appropriate professional conduct are the foundation of the professional identity of the medical profession.MethodsA quantitative approach was adopted by distributing paper-based questionnaires to doctors and patients in two hospitals (Level III and Level II) in Jinan, Shandong province, China.FindingsIn total, 614 doctors and 1184 inpatients on discharge from the surgical and internal medicine units of the two hospitals participated in the survey yielding 90% response rates. The study confirmed the variation amongst doctors in demonstrating their professionalism in terms of respecting patients' views and preferences when determining diagnostic procedures and treatment plans, and when making ethical decisions. Although 90% patients indicated that they showed respects to doctors, close to 20% of the doctors disagreed that they received high respect from patients. About 12% of doctors prescribed unnecessary diagnostic procedures to patient for the purpose of generating profit and more than 20% of patients indicated that they gave gifts to doctors in order to receive better treatment.ConclusionsAlthough about 80% of doctors demonstrated certain aspects of professionalism required by practitioners, the inconsistency across the medical workforce may exacerbate tense doctor-patient relationships. A review of medical curricula and focus of the internship program is required in order to assist medical graduates with forming required professional identity in order to improve patient satisfaction and better clinical outcomes. To be effective, a more systematic approach is recommended.

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Dataset Information

Survey of doctors' perception of professional values.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Survey of doctors' perception of professional values.

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