Prioritization of Factors that Determine Medical Practice Styles Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process

Abstract

of Factors that Determine Medical Practice Styles Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The medical profession has maintained its importance throughout human history. Communication between physician and patient is one of the most important issues that determine the success of the medical profession. In this success, physician behaviors and styles play a determining role in the practice of medicine. The aim of this study is to determine the factor weights affecting the practice styles in medicine and to prioritize them. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used in the study. The AHP technique is helpful for the decision maker as it prioritizes the factors based on their weights using a pairwise comparison matrix. The factor comparison data are obtained from a total of 22 clinician specialist physicians. According to the results of the application, the factors determining the practice style are Professional Experience (31.9%), Medical Education (21.8%), Patient and Disease (18.2%), Personality (11.5%), Institution (8.8%), and Family and Social Environment (7.8%), respectively. The concept of medical styles aimed to contribute to the development of the physicians ’ own styles and to create awareness. It is expected to contribute to medical education and professional development.