SATISFACTION OF PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS IN TRADITIONAL AND MODERN SETTINGS

Abstract

This study of physician satisfaction included 70 primary care pediatricians, internists and family practitioners in 6 different types of practice settings: solo practice, small private groups, multi-specialty prepaid groups, multi-specialty fee-for-service groups, neighborhood health centers and a hospital outpatient department. Satisfactions with work, coworkers and pay were the three indices examined. Family practitioners exhibited the highest satisfaction levels in all three areas. Major differences emerged between physicians in traditional settings, i.e. solo and small group than those in more elaborate, modern settings. Two-way analysis of variance by setting and specialty reveals that for all physicians, satisfaction levels were higher in traditional than in modern settings. Also, physicians in traditional settings, regardless of specialty, gave higher ratings to the quality of care they provided and the efficiency of their work than physicians in modern settings. With respect to all these variables, effects of practice setting are statistically significant (p<.05). In traditional settings doctor satisfaction is positively associated with longer visits and with providing patient care directly rather than assisted by paramedical workers. In modern settings, satisfaction is associated with shorter visits and perceived efficiency.