Autonomy and well-being among Nordic male and female hospital physicians

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze the level of autonomy of Nordic hospital physicians, to examine whether there is a noticeable gender difference, and to evaluate the relation between autonomy and the well-being of these professionals. This quantitative study is based on 1697 questionnaires that were filled out by hospital physicians in Sweden, Norway and Iceland. The quantitative data are analysed statistically. Student's independent sample T-test is used to identify significant gender differences between the means of the variables autonomy and well-being. The Chi-Square test of independence is used to obtain information on the relation between autonomy and the well-being of male and female physicians. Nordic male physicians enjoy significantly more autonomy than their female colleagues but the average level of autonomy is not very high for either of the genders. Autonomy turns out to have a significant positive effect on the well-being of both male and female hospital physicians, but the effect is stronger among women. Even though the recent economical crisis makes cutbacks in the health care system necessary, it is important to avoid drastic reorganizations which are aimed at improved efficiency, but threaten the autonomy and well-being of hospital physicians.