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Gender and power: Nurses and doctors in Canada
Barbara Zelek1, Susan P Phillips
1Department of Family Medicine, Queen's University. phillip@post.queensu.ca
International Journal for Equity in Health
|February 28, 2003
Summary
Female nurses exhibit traditional deference to male physicians, but approach female physicians more equally. Gender significantly impacts nurse-physician dynamics, challenging professional hierarchies and influencing patient care.
Area of Science:
- Medical sociology
- Gender studies in healthcare
- Nursing and medical professional dynamics
Background:
- The nurse-doctor relationship has historically been characterized by female nurse deference to male physician authority.
- Persistent sex-role stereotypes continue to influence interactions within healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of physician sex on female nurses' behavior and perceptions.
- To explore the role of gender in the nurse-physician power dynamic.
Main Methods:
- A vignette-based survey was administered to nurses at an urban university hospital.
- Nurses responded to clinical scenarios featuring physicians of varying sexes.
- Differences in nurse responses based on physician sex were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Female nurses showed greater willingness to defer to male physicians.
- Nurses approached female physicians more egalitarianly but also exhibited more hostility.
- Traditional power imbalances diminished when both nurses and physicians were female.
Conclusions:
- Gender, as much as professional hierarchy, contributes to power imbalances in the nurse-physician relationship.
- The findings suggest a need for further exploration into how these dynamics affect the medical profession, nursing roles, and patient care.