How can physicians' professional reputation be damaged? Patients', nurses' and physicians' viewpoints

Area of Science:

• Medical Sociology
• Healthcare Management
• Professional Ethics

Background:

• Physician reputation is crucial for public trust in healthcare.
• Negative societal perceptions of physicians are a concern in contemporary Iran.
• Understanding the root causes of this reputational damage is essential for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and elucidate the fundamental causes of the negative impact on physicians' reputation in Iran.
• To identify key themes and subthemes contributing to the erosion of public confidence in physicians.
• To provide insights for improving the professional image and public perception of physicians.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing content analysis of semi-structured interviews.
• Conducted in 2022 with 6 physicians, 6 nurses, and 12 patients from Kerman University of Medical Sciences affiliated hospitals.
• Purposive sampling and data analysis using the Graneheim and Lundman approach with MAXQDA 20 software.

Main Results:

• Five major themes emerged: physician-patient relationships, physician-community relations, interprofessional relationships, medical practice challenges, and medical education challenges.
• Thirty-eight subthemes were identified, highlighting issues like ineffective communication, malpractice, ethical lapses, skill gaps, and insufficient education.
• Non-effective communication and negative public perceptions stemming from malpractice were primary drivers of reputational damage.

Conclusions:

• Infrastructural elements significantly contribute to the negative impact on physicians' reputation.
• Recommendations include monitoring physicians' professional behaviors, practices, and relationships.
• Scrutinizing and potentially reforming the medical education system is advised to address underlying issues.