Faculty Collaboration Database

Part-time physicians...prevalent, connected, and satisfied. J Gen Intern Med 2008 Mar;23(3):300-3

Date

01/25/2008

Pubmed ID

18214623

Pubmed Central ID

PMC2359480

DOI

10.1007/s11606-008-0514-3

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-39249084272 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   68 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The health care workforce is evolving and part-time practice is increasing. The objective of this work is to determine the relationship between part-time status, workplace conditions, and physician outcomes.

DESIGN: Minimizing error, maximizing outcome (MEMO) study surveyed generalist physicians and their patients in the upper Midwest and New York City.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Physician survey of stress, burnout, job satisfaction, work control, intent to leave, and organizational climate. Patient survey of satisfaction and trust. Responses compared by part-time and full-time physician status; 2-part regression analyses assessed outcomes associated with part-time status. Of 751 physicians contacted, 422 (56%) participated. Eighteen percent reported part-time status (n = 77, 31% of women, 8% of men, p < .001). Part-time physicians reported less burnout (p < .01), higher satisfaction (p < .001), and greater work control (p < .001) than full-time physicians. Intent to leave and assessments of organizational climate were similar between physician groups. A survey of 1,795 patients revealed no significant differences in satisfaction and trust between part-time and full-time physicians.

CONCLUSIONS: Part-time is a successful practice style for physicians and their patients. If favorable outcomes influence career choice, an increased demand for part-time practice is likely to occur.

Author List

Mechaber HF, Levine RB, Manwell LB, Mundt MP, Linzer M, MEMO Investigators, Schwartz M, Dowell D, An P, Felix K, McMurray J, Bobula J, Plane MB, Scheckler W, Frey J, Sherrieb J, Grettie J, Horner-Ibler B, Maguire A, Paluch L, Man B, Varkey A, Arce E, Rabatin J, Riska E, Bigby J, Konrad TR, Leatt P, Babbott S, Williams E

Author

Ann M. Maguire MD Associate Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Burnout, Professional
Female
Health Care Surveys
Humans
Job Satisfaction
Male
Middle Aged
Practice Patterns, Physicians'
Probability
Surveys and Questionnaires
Time Factors
United States
Work Schedule Tolerance
Workload