Doctor Satisfaction and the Effects on Quality – Discussion

Abstract

This paper considers the question posed by Casalino and Crosson asking whether we should care about doctors’ levels of satisfaction.  It focuses initially on the evidence that satisfaction is a part of an individual’s emotional state which in turn allows us to offer studies showing that doctors perform less well when they are stressed.  It goes on to consider a large-scale survey showing a direct relationship between the satisfaction levels of healthcare staff and a variety of quality outcomes and focuses in particular on the concept of staff engagement in this regard.  Finally, it considers the role of management and context on the satisfaction and mental health of healthcare staff in general.  It concludes that, yes, we should care about doctors’ levels of satisfaction.