Professional Burnout on Work, Dissertation – Literature Example

Introduction

The current study is investigating the factors that affect job satisfaction, or attitudes that individuals have regarding their work, of oncologists in Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan. Previous literature has indicated a decline in the satisfaction of oncologists over the past several years (Almenarez, Camps, Esteban, Moreno, Escobar & Sanchez, 2009). Since job satisfaction influences the performance of job functions, it is important for physicians to have a high job satisfaction. The lower the level of job satisfaction of physicians, and in this case oncologists, the less efficient the delivery of patient care and the lower the patient satisfaction. Although there have been incentives offered to physicians in the past decades, such as rewards and improved working conditions, literature has indicated that there is still a decline in job satisfaction. In addition, it has been noted that there is a lack of interest in repeating job satisfaction studies for physicians. (Burke, 2004)

There are several factors that are contributing to the decline in job satisfaction of physicians, as well as several changes occurring in the market place and legislature that have lowered costs of care yet the physicians are required to maintain a high quality of care. In addition, there are financial stresses and pressures that are forced upon physicians due to health care cuts in re-imbursements and increases in oncology drugs. Furthermore, physicians are exposed to constant stress from the suffering of their patients and loss of their patients.

The above factors can ultimately affect the job satisfaction of oncologists. The purpose of the literature review, therefore, is to evaluate job satisfaction factors by first looking at the overall job satisfaction factors of every type of profession and then looking specifically at job satisfaction factors in regard to medical oncologists. A comprehensive literature review was completed and evaluated in this chapter.

Databases and Literature

The databases that were used were the E-library through the University of Phoenix, Baker College online library database and basic Google search engines looking for case studies and research papers in regard to job satisfaction studies in all professions and specifically related to the medical field and oncology. Several journals were used to evaluate different case studies and research, such as the African Journal of Business Management, Journal of Counseling Psychology, Journal of Applied Psychology, Annuals of Internal Medicine, International Journal of Business and Social Science, Radiology Management, Journal of Oncology Practice, American Academy of Physician and Patients, Lancent, Journal of Medical Oncology, Journal of Physicians, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and the Journal of General Internal Medicine. In addition, journals, some books and encyclopedias were used in the review, such as the Encyclopedia of Business and Finance EPEC-O, Participant’s Handbook and Sloan Work and Family Encyclopedia.

Keywords

Job satisfaction, oncology, oncologists, burnout, Medicare reimbursement, Physician Payment Sunshine Act, cancer care, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory, qualitative case study.

Statement

Job satisfaction in the oncology field is important because maintaining a high job satisfaction results in productive and efficient healthcare. Evaluating the factors through literature review that contribute to job satisfaction in the oncology field is imperative to finding solutions to improve job satisfaction for these physicians.