Pilot survey of physicians on the system of assigning professional grades

Abstract

Stagnation of the institution of assigning professional grades (categorization) draws increasing attention to the study of the opinions of physicians aimed at understanding and addressing the issues of this system. The study was aimed to get an estimate of the categorization system, the need for and directions of its transformation from physicians. The study involved an absentee poll of 64 physicians. Among then 48.4% had professional grades, 42.2% had scientific degrees, 51.6% were members of professional communities, 45.3% were engaged in teaching, 48.4% published scientific research results, 26.6% presented the results of their work during scientific and practical events. The average work experience as a physician was 13.8 ± 6.13 years. The questionnaire consisting of 21 statements with 5-point Likert scales was divided into four items: assessment of current categorization system; refusal of categorization; need to transform the system; directions of transformation. As a result, it was found that the respondents having professional grades, scientific degrees, who were members of professional communities engaged in teaching and scientific research, rated the existing categorization system lower (1.0 ≤ Ме ≤1.8 vs 2.6 ≤ Ме ≤ 3.0; 0.001 < р ≤ 0.034), they more often agreed that there was a need to transform the system (1.0 ≤ Ме ≤ 1.33 vs 2.7 ≤ Ме ≤ 3.0; 0.001 < р ≤ 0.013), than the respondents with no listed above traits. A total of 71.9% respondents agreed that there was a need for change, 1.6% agreed with the refusal of categorization. No correlation between work experience and the scores of items was revealed (0.144 ≤ р ≤ 0.627). Thus, despite the fact that the categorization system was rated low, the majority of physicians don’t want to abandon it seeing the need for transformation. The physicians’ beliefs are affected by the levels of their professional development.