226370 Factors Associated with Satisfaction with Medical Care in a Medicare Population

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

H.R. Foushee, PhD , Center for the Study of Community Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
Roy Martin, PhD , Neurology Chair Office, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
Dora Adoboe, MPH , Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
Polly Kratt, PhD , Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
Maria Pisu, PhD , Medicine/ Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
Introduction: Understanding the best ways to improve health care for a growing senior population requires evaluating seniors' satisfaction with medical care. Consequently, this study examined factors associated with satisfaction with health care (SWC) in a Medicare population.

Methods: A telephone survey was completed with 1009 randomly selected adults 65 years and older enrolled in Medicare in Jefferson County Alabama. The questionnaire assessed health conditions, quality of life, limitations, and demographics. SWC was assessed using 5-point ratings of 12 aspects of their most recent doctor visit (range 12-60). Barriers to accessing health care (range 0-20) and problems with 12 activities of daily living (ADL; range 0-12) were also assessed.

Results: The sample was 72% white, 27% African American, and 65% female. The average age was 78.8 years. Scale means were 45.6 for SWC, 1.7 for barriers, and 2.2 for ADL problems. SWC was significantly correlated with ADL (r = -.135; p < .001), barriers to care (r = .140; p < .001), overall health (r = -.181; p < .001), race (r = -.170; p < .001), age (r = -.121; p < .001), and income (r = .145; p < .001). Linear regression demonstrated that race, age, and barriers to care remained predictive of SWC, but not ADL, income, or overall health.

Discussion: Reduced SWC was found among African Americans, older respondents, and those with more barriers to care. Because SWC is related to health behaviors, such as medication adherence, special efforts are needed to increase satisfaction in this population.

Learning Areas:
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Provision of health care to the public

Learning Objectives:
Assess satisfaction with health care among a Medicare population. Identify group differences in satisfaction with health care.

Keywords: Health Care Quality, Elderly

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I assisted in development of the study and was responsible for implementation of the research.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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