Perceptions of practice problems encountered by family physicians, pediatricians, and orthopedic surgeons.
Information about physicians' practice problems was solicited through a structured questionnaire mailed to a group of family physicians, pediatricians, and orthopedic surgeons. Overall, a lack of personal time was the major concern across the three groups of physicians. Comparisons among the three types of physicians revealed two patterns: Family physicians reported more concerns in the "interpersonal" dimension, whereas orthopedic surgeons had more concerns in the "legal-economic" dimension. These patterns of differences persisted with two variables controlled: gender and time period in which they completed their residency program. These findings indicate that physicians' concerns in their practice vary among the specialties, and they imply that the changed economy and reimbursement system might have more impact on one than the other. Thus the effectiveness of residency training and continuing education might be improved by emphasizing the specialty-related problems in practice.
Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
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Xu
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Brigham
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Veloski
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Rodgers
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006746:Hospital Bed Capacity, 500 and over; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008318:Malpractice; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015143:Philadelphia; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D011216:Practice Management, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011340:Problem Solving; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors