• Hui-Ching Weng, Chao-Ming Hung, Yi-Tien Liu, Yu-Jen Cheng, Cheng-Yo Yen, Chi-Chang Chang, and Chih-Kun Huang.
• Department of Health Management, I-Shou University, 8 E-Da Road, Jiau-shu Tsuen, Yan-chau Shiang, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. weng@isu.edu.tw
• Med Educ. 2011 Aug 1; 45 (8): 835-42.

ContextThe occupational health literature has long been dominated by stress-related topics. A more contemporary perspective suggests using a positive approach in the form of a health model focused on what is right with people, such as feelings of well-being and satisfaction.ObjectivesUsing a positive perspective and multi-source data collection, this study investigated the inter-relationships among emotional intelligence (EI), patient satisfaction, doctor burnout and job satisfaction.MethodsIn this observational study, 110 internists and 2872 out-patients were surveyed in face-to-face interviews.ResultsHigher self-rated EI was significantly associated with less burnout (p<0.001) and higher job satisfaction (p<0.001). Higher patient satisfaction was correlated with less burnout (p<0.01). Less burnout was found to be associated with higher job satisfaction (p<0.001).ConclusionsThis study identified EI as a factor in understanding doctors' work-related issues. Given the multi-dimensional nature of EI, refinement of the definition of EI and the construct validity of EI as rated by others require further examination.© Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2011.

19 keywords...

hide…