KOTA KINABALU: Medical professionals at government hospitals in Sabah and Sarawak are putting patients’ outcomes above other factors that may affect their work-life balance, according to a recent study.
The study 'Work-Life Balance: Do They Have One?', which was conducted by researchers from Australia's RMIT University, had surveyed 389 people, as well as interviewed 16 doctors and nurses from six hospitals and five health clinics from Sabah and Sarawak.
Its authors Oscar Dousin and Dr Ngan Collins found that most participants wanted to ensure their job performance was at its best level since they are dealing with human life.
“They want to make sure every patient receives the best service and also perceive that their ultimate Key Performance Indicator is to reduce the mortality rate in the wards.
“The requirement to be on standby mode or extra working hours, as well as the amount of salary they receive are secondary for both professions,” the study concluded.
Based on the Public Services Department website, the minimum salary for the U29 up to U54 categories for medical professionals is between RM1, 493 and RM6,182, with an annual increment of between RM145 and RM320.
Some private hospitals are offering double salary to doctors and nurses, which contribute to a staff shortage at government hospitals.
In terms of working hours, some of participants had noted that flexibility in arranging their own roster and teamwork have helped them to strike better balance in life.
Dousin and Collins added that both professions were hoping for better prospects in their career development include promotions and recognition and the improvement of remuneration system.
Sabah, being the second largest state in Malaysia, has long suffered a doctor shortage.