[The dignity of medical work. A qualitative approach]

A work that dignifies, that is adequately rewarded and is carried out with social protection is considered decent by the International Labor Organization.

To describe and understand the different dimensions of the dignity of medical work from the perspective of Chilean male and female doctors.

From a qualitative approach, the first stage of the study consisted in the application of an open response survey which was answered by doctors from all over the country. The second stage consisted in discussion instances about dignity of medical work. In the third stage, semi-structured in-depth interviews with doctors of both sexes and of different generations were conducted. The analysis of the data was carried out following the approaches of the Grounded Theory.

The concept of dignity of medical work arises from a historical process of social conquest and implies the recognition of the rights of professionals and patients. Optimal conditions are required to provide quality health care. However, even in unworthy conditions, doctors do everything possible to provide a decent care. The need to humanize the relationships that occur in the context of health care is proposed. Carrying out medical work with excellence and professionalism contributes to personal fulfillment. Associativity contributes to dignify medical work.

The dignity of medical work is understood by doctors as a polysemic and relational concept.