Feng Jiang1, Linlin Hu1, Jeffrey Rakofsky1, Tingfang Liu1, Shichao Wu1, Pengyu Zhao1, Guangyu Hu1, Xia Wan1, Huanzhong Liu1, Yuanli Liu1, Yi-Lang Tang1. 1. Dr. Jiang, Dr. Linlin Hu, Mr. Wu, Dr. Zhao, Dr. Guangyu Hu, and Dr. Yuanli Liu are with the Public Health School, and Dr. Wan is with the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing. Dr. Rakofsky and Dr. Tang are with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta. Dr. Tang is also with the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia. Dr. Tingfang Liu is with the Institute for Hospital Management, Tsinghua University, Beijing. Dr. Huanzhong Liu is with the Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to establish a comprehensive understanding of the sociodemographic characteristics of psychiatrists in China and their working environment and job satisfaction. METHODS: As part of a national survey, the authors conducted China's first survey in 32 tertiary psychiatric hospitals, including administration of a structured questionnaire for psychiatrists. Participants also completed the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ). RESULTS: Of 3,363 surveyed psychiatrists, 2,715 (81%) responded, and 2,602 (77%) completed the survey. Among completers, 58% were women, and 83% were ages 30-49. Significant differences were found in actual and expected monthly income between male and female psychiatrists and across various regions. The mean±SD MSQ score was 71.6±14.3, suggesting moderate job satisfaction. The top three reasons for dissatisfaction were low pay, contentious doctor-patient relationships, and a heavy workload. One-fifth (20%) of participants reported an intention to quit their jobs. MSQ score was significantly associated with younger age, shorter working hours, higher monthly pay, and a smaller gap between expected and actual pay. Being in an administrative position, having medical liability insurance, and not having experienced medical disputes appeared to have a positive impact on job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with their international counterparts, psychiatrists in China have a low level of the job satisfaction, especially those in West China. Given China's increasing demand for psychiatric services, policy makers in China urgently need to find ways to improve the job satisfaction of working psychiatrists and should consider enhancements in financial compensation, the working environment, and malpractice insurance coverage.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to establish a comprehensive understanding of the sociodemographic characteristics of psychiatrists in China and their working environment and job satisfaction. METHODS: As part of a national survey, the authors conducted China's first survey in 32 tertiary psychiatric hospitals, including administration of a structured questionnaire for psychiatrists. Participants also completed the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ). RESULTS: Of 3,363 surveyed psychiatrists, 2,715 (81%) responded, and 2,602 (77%) completed the survey. Among completers, 58% were women, and 83% were ages 30-49. Significant differences were found in actual and expected monthly income between male and female psychiatrists and across various regions. The mean±SD MSQ score was 71.6±14.3, suggesting moderate job satisfaction. The top three reasons for dissatisfaction were low pay, contentious doctor-patient relationships, and a heavy workload. One-fifth (20%) of participants reported an intention to quit their jobs. MSQ score was significantly associated with younger age, shorter working hours, higher monthly pay, and a smaller gap between expected and actual pay. Being in an administrative position, having medical liability insurance, and not having experienced medical disputes appeared to have a positive impact on job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with their international counterparts, psychiatrists in China have a low level of the job satisfaction, especially those in West China. Given China's increasing demand for psychiatric services, policy makers in China urgently need to find ways to improve the job satisfaction of working psychiatrists and should consider enhancements in financial compensation, the working environment, and malpractice insurance coverage.
Entities:
Keywords:
Burnout; China; Health care reform; Job satisfaction; Mental health systems/hospitals; Psychiatry/general
Authors: Philippe Nuss; Cedric Tessier; Marc Masson; Philippe Fossati; Raphaël Gaillard; Nathanaël Lapidus; David Gourion Journal: Front Psychiatry Date: 2020-05-07 Impact factor: 4.157
Authors: Weiyu Zhang; Zhen Zheng; Romana Pylypchuk; Jinfeng Zhao; Kristin K Sznajder; Can Cui; Xiaoshi Yang Journal: Front Psychiatry Date: 2021-11-25 Impact factor: 4.157