Factors and Preferences in Patient Selection and Location of Care

Health Care Manag (Frederick). 2018 Oct/Dec;37(4):311-316. doi: 10.1097/HCM.0000000000000234.

Abstract

There are many factors that influence the decisions that patients make regarding where they receive care. Two hundred thirty-three patients were surveyed in the primary care setting to determine patient satisfaction and characteristics that led patients to seeking treatment at primary care offices, urgent care centers, or emergency rooms. Respondents rated quality of care highest at the primary care office (P < .001). Patients also demonstrated preference for in-person care compared with video conferencing or telephone visits (P < .001).

MeSH terms

  • Ambulatory Care Facilities*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Preference / psychology*
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Primary Health Care*
  • Quality of Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires