Patient and physician perceptions of dimensions of necessity of medical utilization

Abstract

The goal of this research was to understand better the perspectives held by physicians and patients regarding what factors determine the appropriateness of medical visits. We also wished to create a convenient measure of those perspectives. In our first study, we conducted focus groups separately composed of 22 physicians and 16 patients to determine their respective views. In our second study, a 40-item measure derived from Study 1 themes was administered to a sample of 202 patients. Study 1 identified 20 themes, collapsing into 6 dimensions. Physicians held views that some patients were manipulative when seeking medical care. Study 2 revealed factors of "Symptom Experience" and "Doctor Expertise." The two studies revealed that the perception of medical utilization varies between patients and physicians, but both groups share many similar beliefs. © 2010 Peggy J. Wagner, Peter R. Warren, Ginger Moseley, and Nova Southeastern University.