Self-perception of the elective surgeon and some patient perception correlates.

This study investigated the personality characteristics of the elective surgeon, the realism of the surgeon's role concept, and the relationships between these variables and the occurrence of litigation. Data obtained from 125 surgeons and 65 of these surgeons' patients were computer analyzed to answer three specific questions. The surgeon's personality needs were found to differ significantly from those of the general population. Both the surgeons and the patients viewed the surgeon's role unrealistically. No specific physician-patient interaction variable was found to be related significantly to the occurrence of litigation. Findings showed that the elective surgeon is aware of the documented causes for litigation but unaware of how his own personality may affect his vulnerability to litigation.