Professional values and behaviours of younger and older general practitioners in Scotland: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

AimProfessionalism has been linked with improved patient care and reduced complaints. Our goal was to define what, if any, differences exist in the professional values and behaviours of younger general practitioners (GPs), those aged 34 years and under, compared with their older colleagues, those being aged 55 years and over.MethodAn online cross-sectional questionnaire survey of GPs in Scotland was undertaken during 2018 using a modified version of the Nijmegen Professionalism Scale, which comprises 4 domains: professionalism towards patients, towards colleagues, towards society and towards oneself. Descriptive and inferential data analysis was undertaken between responses from both GP groups.Results273 responses were obtained. Of these, 106 respondents were classed as either younger GPs (n=55; 51.9%) or older (n=51; 48.1%). The greatest number of differences were found in the Professional Distance subsection of professionalism towards patients. The greatest single disparity in responses was to distinguish between personal and professional interests in negotiations (p<0.0001). Younger GPs also reported they were less likely to bear the consequences of their own actions (p<0.02) and to be more likely to give others the blame or responsibility (p<0.006). Younger GPs report being less skilled in quality management, being less able to signal suboptimal care (p<0.006) and justify indications for making home visits (p<0.001).ConclusionWhile there were areas of similarity in relation to collaborating with colleagues, reflection on learning and dealing with emotions, differences were identified in relation to the 5 other subsections. Some differences may be explained by lack of exposure and experience, but this may not account for all the differences reported.

Predictors of Health Care Practitioners’ Intention to Use AI-Enabled Clinical Decision Support Systems: Meta-Analysis Based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology

“…One explanation for this discrepancy may be that practitioners value their professional independence increasingly more with age, thus relying less on the opinion of others regarding technology use as they get older. While differences in professional values and behaviors have been shown to exist between younger and older healthcare practitioners [106], a systematic examination of the effect of age on the relationship between social influence and the intention to use AI-CDSSs is lacking. It has to be noted that the observed moderation effect is based on only four independent samples, underscoring the need to systematically study the influence of age on the relationship between social influence and use intention.…”

“…Healthcare practitioners require transparent communication regarding the performance and limitations of AI-CDSSs, alongside adequate training to ensure their correct use. In addition, regulatory bodies like the FDA need to ensure that available AI-CDSSs meet certain safety and performance standards [66,106,107]. Adequate policies and oversight in these contexts may ensure a balance between the adoption and safe application of AI-CDSSs in healthcare decision-making.…”