Examination of Factors Related to Surgeons' Awareness of a Shortage of Physicians

Abstract

Objective:We examined factors related to “awareness of a physician shortage” via a questionnaire administered to surgeons in Oita Prefecture and compared them with previous questionnaire results from 2010 to determine whether the perceptions of a physician shortage had improved.

Method:We conducted a questionnaire survey with surgeons in Oita Prefecture.

Results:Of the responses, 171 were valid, with a response rate of 82%. Of the valid responses, 131 surgeons (76.7%) were aware of a physician shortage, almost identical to the 77% rate in 2010, and they felt that the physician shortage had not improved. Multivariate analysis of the factors contributing to “awareness of a physician shortage” showed factors such as “in charge of more than 11 inpatients,” “more than seven meetings per month,” “more than five hours per week dedicated to hobbies,” “having a degree,” and “good communication” to be related to “awareness of a physician shortage.”

Conclusion:Many surgeons in Oita Prefecture continue to perceive a shortage of physicians. In particular, surgeons in charge of many inpatients are acutely aware of this shortage. However, they appear to be coping with the present physician shortage through good information sharing.