Bloor et al.1 report that men have significantly higher activity rates than women after accounting for age, specialty and Trust (JRSM 2008;101:27–33). No account is taken of the varying number of sessions (or programmed activity sessions) undertaken by consultants, other than to note that all are on full-time or maximum part time contracts. This can vary quite considerably for those on these contracts, with full-time ranging from 10 to up to 15 programmed activities in exceptional circumstances. Whilst there are technical difficulties in gaining access to this level of data, without this it is difficult to conclude that men have a higher productivity, as measuring productivity requires a measure of both inputs (often considered to be labour, equipment and capital) and outputs. It may be, for example, that for the same inputs the outputs are the same, if women doctors are in general working fewer programmed activities. This model might also be delivering a safer higher quality service, another key output.
Footnotes
Competing interests SG is a Past President of Medical Women's Federation, a charity which aims to advance the personal and professional development of women
Reference
- 1.Bloor K, Freemantle N, Maynard A. Gender and variation in activity rates of hospital consultants. J R Soc Med. 2008;101:27–33. doi: 10.1258/jrsm.2007.070424. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]