Comparison of work well-being among physicians in public hospitals before and after the new health reform

Abstract

Objective To compare the well-being among physicians between two surveys (2007 and 2011) performed in public hospital of Shandong province. Methods The constituent ratios and Pearson correlation coefficient of two surveys with 1520 and 1910 respondents were compared. Results The proportion of satisfied physicians decreased from 6.8% between the two surveys. Those approving work autonomy dropped 21.1%; those satisfied with their social standing dropped 9.1%, and those recognizing media coverage increased 12.3%. In year 2007, the top five issues most concerned with satisfaction were equity, embodiment of professional value, balance between income and workload, equity of academic title appraisal, and reform policy (r were 0.53, 0.51, 0.52, 0.51, and 0.45, with P average<0.01). While in year 2011, the top five issues most concerned with satisfaction were patient turst, lawsuit, equity, reform policy, dissension dealing (r were 0.50, 0.50, 0.50, 0.49, 0.48). Attention to reports rising the most (r from 0.04 to 0.45). Conclusion There was little positive change on physicians' well-being before and after new health reform while physicians are bearing tiredness and risk under high expectation and low trust. Rebuilding the patients' trust, dispersing risks of the medical profession and improving the practicing environment are the keys to motivating physicians. Key words: New health reform; Physicians' well-being; Medical practicing environment; Physician-patient relationship; Payment rationality