Role of Physician Gender in the Quality of Care of Cardiometabolic Diseases

I.      Gouni-Berthold; H.      K. Berthold

doi:10.2174/138161211798220954

Abstract

Evidence suggests that patient gender is associated with the quality of care provided in the treatment of cardiometabolic diseases. The majority of findings suggest that female patients receive less intensified care than male patients. However, the question whether physician gender plays a role in the quality of care has been debated for some time. For example, it has been postulated that the practice styles of female physicians, such as spending more time with a patient, hearing and listening more effectively, and including more preventive measures, may result in more efficient clinical encounters that may positively affect clinical outcomes. This narrative review examines the existing evidence regarding the effects of physician gender on the quality of care provided, focusing mainly on patients with cardiometabolic diseases.

Keywords: Physician gender, quality of care, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic heart failure, blood pressure, lipid control, cardiac catheterization, glycemic control