Gender and variation in activity rates of hospital consultants.
OBJECTIVE
To explore whether or not gender predicts consultant activity rates.


METHODS
Using data from the Hospital Episode Statistics for England 2004/2005, we explored inpatient activity rates of male and female hospital consultants, with and without adjustment for case-mix differences. As a sensitivity analysis we also explored outpatient attendances for male and female hospital consultants.


METHODS
Data from the Hospital Episode Statistics for England.


METHODS
Finished consultant episodes per year, with and without adjustment for case-mix differences, age and gender of consultant, contract held, hospital trust, specialty of practice, and clinical excellence awards, discretionary points and distinction awards.


RESULTS
Including only consultants on full-time or maximum part-time contracts, men have significantly higher activity rates than women, after accounting for age, specialty and hospital trust.


CONCLUSIONS
The reasons for the different activity rates of male and female consultants are unclear, but the implications of these results for the planning of the medical workforce are important.
Bloor
Karen
K
Department of Health Sciences, University of York, UK. keb3@york.ac.uk
Freemantle
Nick
N
Maynard
Alan
A
D003253:Consultants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008511:Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012737:Sex Factors; D013038:Specialization; D016526:Workload / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*