According to a study conducted by researchers from the US and Japan, female physicians are associated with better patient outcomes compared to male physicians. The study analyzed data on over 776,000 patients hospitalized between 2016 and 2019. Results indicated that female patients treated by female doctors had lower 30-day mortality rates (8.15% vs 8.38%) and lower 30-day readmission rates. The study provides evidence that physician gender can influence patient outcomes, with female physicians potentially adopting different approaches to medical care than male physicians.
While the reasons for this disparity remain unclear, the researchers suggest that factors such as communication styles, perceptions of symptom severity, and patient comfort levels may play a role. The study emphasizes the need for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms and to promote gender equity in healthcare settings.
The findings have implications for healthcare policy and practice. By addressing the potential disparities associated with physician gender, healthcare providers can work towards providing equitable and high-quality care for all patients.
