Physicians’ Perceptions of the Changing Health Care System: Comparisons by Gender and Specialties

This study was designed to investigate physicians’ perception of changes in the US health care system impacting academic medicine, quality of care, patient referrals, cost, ethical & sociopolitical aspects of medicine. 92% believed that learning to work in a managed care environment should be essential in medical education. They perceived current changes to impair their autonomy & restrain their freedom to provide optimal care. 92% believed that organized medicine should take a stand on social issues that affect well-being. 34% endorsed legalized physician assisted suicide. There were no gender differences but some differences between generalists & specialists. (40 refs.)