Patient-Centredness, Job Satisfaction and Psychological Distress: a Brief Survey Comparing Oncology Nurses and Doctors

• Published in: Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP Vol. 16; no. 16; pp. 6895 - 6898
• Main Authors: Chan, Caryn Mei Hsien, Ahmad, Wan Azman Wan, Yusof, Mastura MD, Ho, Gwo Fuang, Krupat, Edward
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: patient-centredness; nurses; psychological distress; job satisfaction; Doctors
• ISSN: 1513-7368; 2476-762X

Background: We aimed to explore whether levels of patient-centredness, job satisfaction and psychological distress varied between oncology nurses and doctors. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires, a total of 24 nurses and 43 doctors were assessed for patient-centredness, psychological distress, and job satisfaction using the Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Job Satisfaction Scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test and MANCOVA, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: Overall response rate was 95.6% (43/45) for physicians and 85.7% (24/28) for nurses. Even after adjusting for known covariates, our principal finding was that doctors reported greater psychological distress compared to nurses (p=0.009). Doctors also reported lower job satisfaction compared to nurses (p = 0.017), despite higher levels of patient-centredness found in nurses (p=0.001). Findings may be explained in part by differences in job characteristics and demands. Conclusions: Mental health is an important concern not just in cancer patients but among healthcare professionals in oncology.