Job satisfaction is defined as pleasurable or positive emotional state which results from the appraisal of one’s job or job experience. It is often determined by how well outcome meet or exceed expectations. There are many factors which are related to job satisfaction among family physicians. Data on satisfaction among family physicians varies from country to country. This study aimed to determine the level of job satisfaction among family physicians in Malaysia and its associated factors. A cross sectional study was performed among 117 family physicians in Malaysia between July 2012 and December 2012. A questionnaire consists of socio-demographic characteristic, professional and health clinic characteristics and Warr-Cook-Wall job satisfaction scale was used. The results showed that 85% of Malaysian family physicians are satisfied with their job. They are mostly satisfied with hours of work, colleagues and fellow workers, and freedom to choose own method of working. They are least satisfied with physical working condition, rate of pay and recognition. Female gender and less number of health clinics in-charged were associated with increased in overall job satisfaction. Most of the family physicians in Malaysia are satisfied with their job. However there are certain areas that should be looked into which are physical working condition, rate of pay and recognition. Malaysian family physicians should receive equal career opportunity, promotion and salary scale like other specialties
In Malaysia, chest radiograph is a part of compulsory investigations during routine medical examination. Majority of these chest radiographs are interpreted by medical officers at the outpatient clinic. This study was to determine the concordance of chest radiograph interpretations between medical officers and radiologist. Medical officers' report of routine chest radiographs at the outpatient clinic Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia over a 6-month period were compared to that of a radiologist. Of 408 chest radiographs reported, the concordance of interpretation between medical officers and radiologist was 93.6% (382 of 408). Medical officers correctly interpret 98.2% (378/385) of normal chest radiograph compared to 17.4% of abnormal chest radiographs (4/23). Therefore, routine chest radiograph interpretations of normal radiographs by medical officers were generally accurate. However, they were weak in interpreting abnormal chest radiographs. Medical officers need to be trained on detecting abnormalities on chest X-ray since most routine chest X-ray reporting is done based on their interpretation.
Study site: outpatient clinic Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
The incidence of colorectal cancer has been increasing in many Asian countries including Malaysia during the past few decades. A physician recommendation has been shown to be a major factor that motivates patients to undergo screening. The present study objectives were to describe the practice of colorectal cancer screening by primary care providers in Malaysia and to determine the barriers for not following recommendations. In this cross sectional study involving 132 primary care providers from 44 Primary Care clinics in West Malaysia, self-administered questionnaires which consisted of demographic data, qualification, background on the primary care clinic, practices on colorectal cancer screening and barriers to colorectal cancer screening were distributed. A total of 116 primary care providers responded making a response rate of 87.9%. About 21% recommended faecal occult blood test (FOBT) in more than 50% of their patients who were eligible. The most common barrier was "unavailability of the test". The two most common patient factors are "patient in a hurry" and "poor patient awareness". This study indicates that colorectal cancer preventive activities among primary care providers are still poor in Malaysia. This may be related to the low availability of the test in the primary care setting and poor awareness and understanding of the importance of colorectal cancer screening among patients. More awareness programmes are required for the public. In addition, primary care providers should be kept abreast with the latest recommendations and policy makers need to improve colorectal cancer screening services in health clinics.