Case analysis and justification of physicians, collective actions
10.5124/jkma.2021.64.2.159
- Author:
Young In OH
1
;
Jeong Hun PARK
;
Duck Sun AHN
;
Sun Mi LIM
Author Information
1. Research Institute for Healthcare Policy, Korean Medical Association, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Special Contribution
- From:Journal of the Korean Medical Association
2021;64(2):159-170
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Since the last 100 years, physicians from many countries have been taking collective action. However, the media, civic groups, and the government have denounced them as inhuman and unethical. This study comprehensively analyzed the background and results of physicians’ collective actions that occurred in countries around the world, and reviewed the issues surrounding them. Among 314 cases in 70 countries discussed in the literature, 180 cases in 65 countries were analyzed. Of these 180 cases, 111 (61.7%) were successful, indicating that collective action has brought favorable results to physicians. Furthermore, 177 out of 301 requirements brought favorable results (58.8%). The main reason for collective actions was ‘improvement of working conditions’, which includes improving the medical and the reimbursement systems, adjusting working hours and wages, increasing manpower, supporting medical research, and improving other working environment and conditions. This study is significant because it provides statistical data on the causes and results of collective actions taken by physicians in countries around the world.
