Affiliations: The University of Iceland, Faculty of Social and Human
Sciences, Reykjavik, Iceland | The Directorate of Health, Iceland
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Thamar M. Heijstra, The University
of Iceland, Gimli v/ Sæmundurgata, IS 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. Tel.:
+354 6942959; E-mail: thamar@hi.is
Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the level of autonomy
of Nordic hospital physicians, to examine whether there is a noticeable gender
difference, and to evaluate the relation between autonomy and the well-being of these professionals. Participants: This quantitative study is based on
1697 questionnaires that were filled out by hospital physicians in Sweden, Norway and Iceland. Methods: The quantitative data are analysed
statistically. Student's independent sample T-test is used to identify
significant gender differences between the means of the variables autonomy and
well-being. The Chi-Square test of independence is used to obtain information
on the relation between autonomy and the well-being of male and female physicians. Results: Nordic male physicians enjoy significantly more
autonomy than their female colleagues but the average level of autonomy is not
very high for either of the genders. Autonomy turns out to have a significant
positive effect on the well-being of both male and female hospital physicians, but the effect is stronger among women. Conclusion: Even though the recent economical crisis makes cutbacks in the health care system necessary, it
is important to avoid drastic reorganizations which are aimed at improved
efficiency, but threaten the autonomy and well-being of hospital physicians.
Keywords: Managed care, professionals, reorganization, strain, work conditions
