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Time Dependency in Physician Decision-Making

Author

Listed:
  • Lawrence Jin
  • Rui Tang
  • Han Ye
  • Junjian Yi
  • Songfa Zhong

Abstract

Using data on more than 250,000 emergency department (ED) visits, we study the time-of-day effect on physician decision-making and patient outcomes. After controlling for patient characteristics, physician fixed effects, and work hours, we find that cases treated at night have significantly lower probability of inpatient admission and involve fewer medical tests. These cases are also more likely to revisit the ED, which supports the decline in physician performance. While we cannot completely rule out the possibility of limited hospital arrangements, our findings are most consistent with the detrimental effect of disrupted circadian rhythms during night shifts.

Suggested Citation

  • Lawrence Jin & Rui Tang & Han Ye & Junjian Yi & Songfa Zhong, 2020. "Time Dependency in Physician Decision-Making," AEA Papers and Proceedings, American Economic Association, vol. 110, pages 284-288, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:apandp:v:110:y:2020:p:284-88
    DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20201033
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. David C. Chan, 2018. "The Efficiency of Slacking off: Evidence From the Emergency Department," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 86(3), pages 997-1030, May.
    2. David C. Chan, 2016. "Teamwork and Moral Hazard: Evidence from the Emergency Department," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 124(3), pages 734-770.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I11 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Analysis of Health Care Markets
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J44 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Professional Labor Markets and Occupations

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