Effects of dialogue groups on physicians' work environment.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether dialogue groups for physicians can improve their psychosocial work environment. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH The study assessed the impact of eight dialogue groups, which involved 60 physicians at a children's clinic in one of the main hospitals in Stockholm. Psychosocial work environment measures were collected through a validated instrument sent to all physicians (n = 68) in 1999, 2001 and 2003. Follow-up data were collected after the termination of the groups. FINDINGS The overall score of organizational and staff wellbeing, as assessed by the physicians at the clinic, deteriorated from 1999 until 2003 and then improved 2004. This shift in the trend coincided with the intervention. No other factors which might explain this shift could be identified. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS In a naturalistic study of this kind it is not possible to prove any causal relationships. A controlled survey of management programmes concerning the work environment among physicians would be of interest for further research. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS The results suggest that dialogue groups may be one way to improve the psychosocial work environment for physicians. ORIGINALITY/VALUE There is a lack of intervention studies regarding the efficacy of management programmes directed toward physicians, concerning the effects on professional and personal wellbeing. This is the first time dialogue groups have been studied within a health care setting.