Dimensions of quality care affecting career satisfaction of pediatricians

Current Workforce of General Pediatricians in the United States

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

A near vacuum exists for credible information regarding specialty-specific demography, including gender, years since training completion, current employer, academic affiliation, and hours worked in specific tasks. Understanding the current status and changes to the medical workforce and its work patterns is essential to assessing whether the supply and distribution meets the needs of patients, institutions, society, and educational programs.

METHODS

A self-administered electronic survey sent to all pediatricians at the time of their enrollment in the Maintenance of Certification program in 2013-2014. The survey focused on exploring trends associated with career choice, career paths, time spent in professional activities, and current practice characteristics. Logistic regression and χ(2) analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

The response rate was 87.2% (N = 15 351). Of those who completed the survey, 9253 (64%) self-identified as general pediatricians. An increased likelihood of working part-time was seen among women (odds ratio [OR]: 12.21), those without an academic appointment (OR: 1.32), and those not working in a private/independent practice (OR: 1.15). Overall, 89% (n = 8214) of respondents stated that their current allocation of professional time was approximately what they wanted. Those more likely to be involved in quality improvement in the past year did not work in independent/private practices (OR: 1.78) and worked full-time (OR: 1.16).

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the current nature of the pediatric workforce is a first step in providing data to guide future workforce planning and the training experiences required to maintain and shape the workforce to meet the current and future needs of children.

Patient and Practice Characteristics: Impact on Career Satisfaction of Obstetrician-Gynecologists

This study examined demographic and practice characteristics that affect the career satisfaction of obstetrician-gynecologists. Data were retrieved from the 2008 Health Tracking Physician Survey, conducted by the Center for Studying Health System Change. The survey consisted of a nationally representative sample of physicians belonging to the American Medical Association. A final sample of 290 obstetrician-gynecologists was obtained from the study. Results indicated more than 80% of obstetrician-gynecologists were either "somewhat satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their careers in medicine. Nearly 56% were older than 48 years; 59% of respondents were men and 77% were of white race. The average obstetrician-gynecologist worked 54 hours per week in medically related activities. Regression analysis showed a significant relationship between obstetrician-gynecologist career satisfaction and the following: adequate time with patients, perceived quality of care, income, work hours, and revenue from Medicaid. In addition, Hispanic patients and the presence of formal written guidelines had a positive impact on career satisfaction. It was concluded that quality care, time with patients, work hours, and income are the major predictors of obstetrician-gynecologist career satisfaction. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between patient demographics and career satisfaction.