Introduction

Efficient functioning at work depends on social/emotional competence, understood as a set of complex skills that determine the effectiveness of behaviors in various professional and social situations. The aim of this study was to determine the social competence of physicians, nurses, and paramedics with regard to sociodemographic contributors and social training.

Material and methods

The study involved 303 medical workers, including 90 physicians (29.7%), 112 nurses (36.96%), and 101 paramedics (33.3%). The Social Competence Questionnaire (SCQ) and a questionnaire developed by the researchers were completed. The diagnostic questions included three types of situations: intimate situations (I), situations involving social exposure (SE), and situations demanding assertiveness (A).

Results

The majority of healthcare workers had average general social competence, over one-fifth had high competence, and one-sixth had low competence. Low competence in social exposure situations (SE) was observed in nearly one-fourth of the participants. One in six respondents had low competence in situations demanding close interpersonal contact (I) and assertiveness (A). Medical workers aged 45 years and up had lower general competence as well as lower I and SE competence. Social training associated with scientific and social activity develops SE competence in physicians and A competence in paramedics.

Conclusions

The low and average scores for social competence achieved by physicians, nurses, and paramedics demonstrate the need for more social training, especially involving professionals in scientific activity and the education of medical staff and various social groups.