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Abstract

A survey of the patterns of absenteeism among clerical staff working in twenty-seven medical record departments in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory revealed that there was not a significant relationship between the bed size of the hospital (the organisation) and absenteeism, or between the medical record department (the work unit) and absenteeism. Absenteeism was defined as a day of sick leave without a medical certificate. Absenteeism was spread throughout the weekdays, and 56 percent of workers had at least one absent day during the period. Age and type of work were not associated with absenteeism, but males had a significantly higher rate than females (p < 0.001). The authors suggest that exchange theory rather than work unit size may better explain absenteeism. (AMRJ 1989, 19(1), 63–70).

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An Absenteeism Survey of Clerical Workers in Medical Record Departments

Abstract

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