Theorising the social within physician decision making.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Medical Education
• Health Management

Background:

• Physician clinical behavior is influenced by complex behavioral processes.
• Existing models focus on educational and social influence, but their impact within peer settings requires further exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how educational and social influence models affect clinical practice decisions within peer group settings.
• To understand the role of selective social networks in the transfer of clinical knowledge among physicians.

Main Methods:

• Exploration of behavioral processes influencing physician clinical behavior.
• Focus on family physicians in Israel participating in ongoing professional peer group meetings.
• Analysis of how peer group dynamics impact clinical practice decisions.

Main Results:

• Health decisions influencing clinical practice are particularistic, not universal.
• Clinical knowledge transfer occurs significantly through selective social networks within peer groups.

Conclusions:

• Physician practice decisions are heavily influenced by social networks and peer interactions.
• Health managers can strategically intervene in clinical practice by influencing the formation of beneficial peer social networks.