THE COMMUNICATION ATMOSPHERE BETWEEN PHYSICIAN COLLEAGUES - COMPETITIVE PERFECTIONISM OR SUPPORTIVE DIALOGUE - A NORWEGIAN STUDY

Open and supportive communication is probably one of the most importan t promotors of learning, coping and satisfaction at the workplace. The aim of this paper is to describe and predict the communication atmosp here between Norwegian physicians. Twenty statements describing commun ication, as perceived by the physicians themselves, were presented to a random sample of the members of the Norwegian Medical Association of which more than 90% of the physicians in the country are members (N = 2628). In general, this investigation indicates that the communicatio n atmosphere among Norwegian physicians is characterised by support an d mutual respect. More than half of the respondents fully agreed that communication between colleagues in the workplace is marked by solidar ity, and that experienced colleagues show respect for the less experie nced in both personal and professional matters. Physicians working in hospitals described the communication atmosphere as substantially more selfish and competitive than non-hospital physicians, whilst general practitioners considered the atmosphere between colleagues to be more supportive than non-specialists. In addition, high perceived stress wa s associated with the perception of a less supportive atmosphere. Howe ver, the strongest predictor of the communication atmosphere was clear ly the physician's perceived autonomy. The comprehensive retrenchment programmes implemented in Norwegian hospitals during recent years have increased stress and restricted professional autonomy among both phys icians and other occupational groups. Our findings indicate that the c ommunication atmosphere necessary to secure continuity of knowledge wi thin the medical profession may have been jeopardised by this process. In the long term, this may prove hazardous to the quality of medical care. Copyright (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd