A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine has found that hospital patients, both male and female, have better health outcomes when treated by a female doctor. The study analyzed Medicare claims records of nearly 780,000 older Americans who were hospitalized between 2016 and 2019 and treated by hospitalists. About 59% of the patients were female and 41% were male. Roughly 31% of the patients were treated by a female physician.
The study found that female patients had a lower mortality rate than female patients treated by male doctors, with an 8.15% mortality rate compared to 8.38%. The difference was also significant for male patients, with a 10.15% mortality rate for those treated by a female physician and 10.23% for those treated by a male physician.
Furthermore, the study found that female doctors had better communication skills and a more patient-centered approach compared to male doctors, leading to improved patient outcomes. Female patients also had lower readmission rates than those treated by male doctors, with the difference being similar for both genders.
Previous research has shown that female and male doctors practice medicine differently. For instance, female physicians are more likely to adhere to clinical guidelines and evidence-based practice. However, they face issues such as being paid less than their male counterparts, systemic discrimination, and higher rates of burnout.
The study builds on previous research that found elderly U.S. patients who were treated by female internists had lower mortality rates than those treated by male internists.
It is important to note that the findings do not suggest that patients should choose a doctor based solely on gender, but rather emphasize the importance of effective communication and patient-centered care in improving health outcomes.
