Israeli physicians manage risk of litigation: predicting empowerment role model

Abstract

During the last two decades, physicians and patients have become locked in a problematic cycle of client–provider relations as evidenced by the proliferation of lawsuits against physicians. This study presents qualitative and quantitative methodologies to study this cycle and to propose ways of empowering physicians to cope with their problems. Study 1, which presents a content analysis of 50 interviews, explores physician responses to litigation. Study 2 empirically examines the main themes that emerged from the content analysis: physician perceptions of co-worker and supervisory support, perceived risk of litigation, perceived job autonomy, and attitudes toward granting autonomy to patients. The sample consisted of 220 physicians from 15 obstetric and gynecology departments identified as threatening work environments. As a result of Study 1, we developed a research model, based on ‘job demand control model of stress.’ Elaborating the research model, we explored the possibility that the concept of autonomy support defines which elements offer better predictions and viable implementation regarding the physician–patient nexus.

Keywords:

• autonomy support
• fear of litigation
• job stress
• physicians