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Problematic and unprofessional physician behaviors toward medical representatives in Japan: a cross-sectional study
Hiroshi Ito1, Aiko Harada2, Taiju Miyagami3
1Department of Hospital Medicine, University of Tsukuba Hospital, 2-1-1 Amakubo, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8576, Japan. itohirokan@yahoo.co.jp.
Background:
Effective communication is essential in healthcare and influences patient outcomes and care quality. While physician-related behaviors toward other healthcare professionals have been widely studied, less is known about interactions with external stakeholders such as medical representatives (MRs). This study aimed to describe problematic or unprofessional physician-related behaviors and related communication barriers experienced by MRs in Japan.
Methods:
A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among MRs registered with Doctor's Prime Academia, an online platform for healthcare professionals and industry employees. The survey collected demographic and professional characteristics and assessed experiences of physician-related behaviors, including problematic communication, sexual harassment, and prolonged waiting before meetings. Group comparisons were performed using non-parametric and exact tests. Because of the exploratory nature of the study and the limited sample size, multivariable analyses were not performed.
Results:
A total of 98 MRs participated (median age 40 years [interquartile range 33-46]; 15.3% female). Overall, 88.8% reported experiencing some form of physician-related problematic or unprofessional behavior, with refusal to respond to work-related matters being the most common (58.6%). Sexual harassment was reported by 14.3% of MRs and was more frequently reported by younger MRs and women. Prolonged waiting (more than one hour) was reported by 38.8% of MRs and was more frequently reported by younger and less experienced MRs, as well as those with higher educational backgrounds.
Conclusion:
Physician-related problematic or unprofessional behaviors and related communication barriers toward MRs were commonly reported in this study. Younger and female MRs more frequently reported experiences of sexual harassment, whereas younger and less experienced MRs more frequently reported prolonged waiting. Given the exploratory nature of this study, these findings should be interpreted with caution; however, they highlight the importance of addressing physician interactions with external stakeholders as part of broader efforts to promote professionalism in healthcare.
Insights
Medical representatives (MRs) in Japan frequently encounter unprofessional physician behaviors, including harassment and communication barriers. Younger and female MRs reported higher rates of sexual harassment, while younger and less experienced MRs faced longer waits.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Communication
- Medical Professionalism
- Industry-Academia Relations
Background:
- Effective healthcare communication impacts patient outcomes and quality of care.
- Physician interactions with healthcare professionals are well-studied, but less is known about their engagement with external stakeholders like medical representatives (MRs).
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for fostering professionalism within the healthcare sector.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and describe problematic or unprofessional behaviors exhibited by physicians towards medical representatives (MRs) in Japan.
- To identify communication barriers encountered by MRs during their interactions with physicians.
- To explore demographic factors associated with specific types of problematic behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional web-based survey was administered to MRs registered on the Doctor's Prime Academia platform.
- Data collected included MR demographics, professional characteristics, and experiences with physician behaviors such as refusal to respond, sexual harassment, and prolonged waiting times.
- Non-parametric and exact tests were used for group comparisons due to the study's exploratory nature and limited sample size.
Main Results:
- Nearly 89% of the 98 participating MRs reported experiencing problematic physician behaviors, most commonly refusal to address work-related matters (58.6%).
- Sexual harassment was reported by 14.3% of MRs, with higher prevalence among younger and female representatives.
- Prolonged waiting times (over an hour) affected 38.8% of MRs, particularly younger, less experienced, and highly educated individuals.
Conclusions:
- Problematic physician behaviors and communication barriers towards MRs are common in Japan.
- Younger and female MRs are disproportionately affected by sexual harassment.
- Younger and less experienced MRs more frequently encounter prolonged waiting times, underscoring the need to address physician interactions with external stakeholders to enhance healthcare professionalism.
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