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Does Career Dissatisfaction Affect the Ability of Family Physicians to Deliver High-Quality Care?
March 2002 usual source of care is associated with better health outcomes. Dissatisfaction among family physicians and general practitioners (FT/GPs) may compromise the accessibility of a usual source of care and the quality of services. This study examines the association between FP/GP dissatisfaction and an inability to deliver high-quality care. Among FP/GPs in 1996-97, more than 17% were dissatisfied. Age was the most significant person factor associated with dissatisfaction; 25.1% of those aged 55 to 64 reported dissatisfaction compared with only 10.1% of those younger than 35. Other personal or professional characteristics significantly associated with FP/GP dissatisfaction included osteopathic training, graduation from a foreign medical school, full practice ownership, and an income of less than $100,000. Physicians dissatisfied with their careers were much more likely to report difficulties in caring for patients. The study is based on a secondary data analysis of HSCs Community Tracking Study Physician Survey (1996-1997). Free access to this article is available at the Journal of Family Practice Web site. |
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