(BGU: Beer-Sheva, Israel) -- A new study by a researcher at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) reveals that physicians’ moods affect the number of prescriptions, referrals, and lab tests ordered, as well as the amount of time they spend talking with their patients.

The findings of the study “Communicating with Patients, Prescribing Medications and Referring to Tests and Specialists: Associations with Physician Burnout and Moods” were recently presented at the 14th International Conference of the Israel National Institute for Health Policy by Talma Kushnir, professor in the department of the sociology of health and BGU faculty of health sciences. 

Kushnir surveyed 188 primary physicians in Israel to determine whether doctors changed their professional behavior on good mood days, as well as days when they felt stressed, tired, or anxious. Physicians’ burnout levels were also assessed. The study asked doctors to rank how their mood affected the extent they talked to patients, prescribed medications, sent them to lab or diagnostic tests, and referred patients to a specialist. 

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