Lower mortality rate has been observed in patients cared for by female physicians as per a study published in the journal Jama Health Forum. The study assessed the difference in outcomes processes of care and death rate among patients treated by female vs. male physicians in 171625 hospitalized patients in general medical wards at 7 hospitals in Ontario, Canada, between April 1, 2010, and October 31, 2017.
‘Lower mortality rate has been observed in patients cared for by female physicians. Although the exact factors driving this difference are unknown, further assessment is required to confirm the results.’
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Variations in Physicians Gender Adjustments for data including hospital fixed effects, patient characteristics, physician characteristics, and processes of care were done. It was found that variations existed in the processes of care and outcomes for hospitalized general medicine patients treated by differing gender of physicians.
The hospitalized medical patients cared for by female physicians were found to have decreased mortality rates compared with patients of male physicians. However on adjusting the physician characteristics, the result was no longer statistically different. This may be partially explained by differences in physician characteristics.
The exact factors driving this difference are unknown. However, this association requires further assessment on a larger trial of the population outside of the US.
Source-Medindia