Survey Reveals Over Two-Thirds of Doctors Consider Reviews When Choosing Hospitals

Understanding Hospital Selection Criteria Among Doctors

A recent survey conducted by Mediwell, a career support service for medical professionals based in Sapporo, Hokkaido, has shed light on the factors physicians consider when selecting hospitals for both employment and treatment. The survey, which included responses from 1,662 doctors across Japan, highlights the significant role that word-of-mouth recommendations play in these decisions.

The Influence of Reviews

According to the findings, more than two-thirds of physicians rely on reviews when choosing hospitals. Interestingly, doctors show a stronger inclination to trust feedback from acquaintances, such as colleagues and fellow practitioners, over online reviews. This suggests that the personal connection lends credibility to the information shared within their professional network. Concerns about the reliability of online reviews were also noted, with many doctors stressing the need to verify the actual conditions of the hospitals themselves.

Key Selection Criteria

The survey analyzed various criteria that doctors prioritize when selecting a workplace versus a hospital for treatment. When it comes to employment, the following factors were deemed most important:
1. Work-Life Balance (96.4%)
2. Salary and Benefits (94.8%)
3. Staffing and Support Systems (90.0%)
4. Location and Accessibility (89.3%)
5. Economic Stability of the Institution (81.2%)

Notably, younger doctors emphasized salary as a critical factor, while female physicians prioritized accessibility. Conversely, elements such as academic affiliations and research opportunities received comparatively lower significance, underscoring a trend towards valuing personal and professional well-being over traditional academic prestige.

In terms of what physicians look for when they themselves need treatment, the criteria shift slightly:
1. Expertise and Qualifications of Physicians (92.2%)
2. Location and Accessibility (89.9%)
3. Interpersonal Qualities of Physicians (88.4%)
4. Equipment and Technology (84.4%)
5. Operating Hours (83.8%)

Interestingly, factors like the medical school a physician graduated from or their involvement in research were low on the priority list, showcasing a preference for immediate clinical capabilities and convenience.

Insights from the Survey

In free-form responses, doctors shared their candid thoughts about the significance of reviews in hospital selection. Many expressed that reviews are indispensable in making informed choices about where to work and seek care. One doctor noted, "Word of mouth is essential" when deciding on an employment setting, while another mentioned, "I wish there were agents that could provide unbiased reviews."

Concerns about the authenticity of information found online were prominent as well. Some doctors criticized hospital websites for potentially overstating their offerings and stressed the importance of personally verifying any claims before making a decision. As one physician put it, "In the end, you can't truly know what it's like until you visit."

The Challenge of Hospital Selection

Doctors also reflected on the challenge of choosing hospitals from a patient's perspective, noting that it's a complex process, even for those within the medical field. Many expressed that non-medical individuals might struggle to assess the suitability of a healthcare provider based solely on website information, highlighting the disparity in insight between healthcare professionals and the general public.

Overall, the survey presents a nuanced understanding of how doctors select hospitals, balancing personal preferences with professional insights. As reviews continue to shape these decisions, the importance of maintaining transparency and credibility in available information cannot be overstated.

For more detailed findings from this survey, please refer to the provided links.

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