This paper addresses the current state of knowledge and addresses the future research agenda describing the relationship between primary care practice and the health care consumer. The paper will describe what value primary care models of care offer to patients discussing the relationship between the attributes of primary care and patient satisfaction. Models of patient decision-making and of patient-provider partnerships in primary care will also be described, along with research on the relationship of these models to patient satisfaction and outcomes. The paper will include a description and analysis of sources of patient and consumer discontent with health care and the health care system and the degree to which primary care models can or do respond to this discontent. The paper is written with the intent to establish a future agenda for primary care by identifying what is and is not known about the health care consumer's perspective on primary care. The paper will describe a future research and policy agenda directed to improving the accuracy and sophistication of this perspective. The primary care consumer toolkit is being designed to educate consumers and purchasers regarding the value of primary care and to facilitate access to primary care through this education.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, the attendee will be able to: 1. Understand sources of consumer satisfaction and discontent with the health care system 2. Describe what is known about the degree to which primary care practice addresses the needs and concerns of health care consumers 3. Describe potential research and policy initiatives that can better link consumer satisfaction to primary care models of practice. 4. Describe the purpose of a "primary care consumer toolkit" 5. Understand the information and skills that health care consumers should have in order to use the health care system in a way that best meets their needs
Keywords: Primary Care,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.