Accuracy of the Jamaican National Physician Register
Author Information
Author(s): Jennifer Knight-Madden, Robert Gray
Primary Institution: University of the West Indies
Hypothesis
Does the Medical Council of Jamaica accurately record and report the identities, number, and specialty designation of physicians in Jamaica?
Conclusion
The Medical Council of Jamaica's list includes some physicians no longer practicing in Jamaica while underestimating the number of specialists.
Supporting Evidence
- The MCJ listed 2667 registered physicians, but 118 were found to be no longer practicing.
- An additional 29 qualified physicians were identified who were not on the MCJ list.
- 66% of registered doctors completed medical school at the University of the West Indies.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether the list of doctors in Jamaica is correct. It found that some doctors listed are not practicing anymore, and there are more specialists than reported.
Methodology
Data from the Medical Council of Jamaica and other sources were analyzed to trace physicians practicing in Jamaica in 2005.
Potential Biases
The study may have underestimated the total number of physicians who have migrated, retired, or died.
Limitations
Financial constraints limited the tracing of all registered physicians, and the sample was not fully representative.
Participant Demographics
66% of registered physicians were trained at the University of the West Indies; others trained in India, Cuba, and Myanmar.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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