Part-Time Physicians…Prevalent, Connected, and Satisfied

Mechaber, Hilit F.; Levine, Rachel B.; Manwell, Linda Baier; Mundt, Marlon; Linzer, Mark

doi:10.1007/s11606-008-0514-3

Cited by 81 publications

(63 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…Definitions of the variables are provided in Table 1 previous literature, [17][18][19] our findings also suggest that physicians with lower clinical FTEs had higher patient satisfaction scores, after accounting for direct and indirect associations with continuity and access to care measures. Overall, this work suggests that PCPs who choose to work fewer clinical hours may have worse continuity and access outcomes, but they may provide a better patient experience.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 52%

“…13 However, there are several possible reasons why physicians with fewer clinical full time equivalents (FTEs) may have higher patient satisfaction scores. Studies have shown that part-time physicians experience higher work satisfaction and less burnout than full-time physicians, 19,20 which may be attributed to an increased sense of control in setting one's schedule, 19 feeling less time pressure with patients, 21 or better work-life balance. 22,23 There is a well-established association between patient and physician satisfaction, 21 perhaps because more satisfied physicians may communicate better, 24 be more empathetic, 24 and better address their patients' concerns.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Patients Report Better Satisfaction with Part-Time Primary Care Physicians, Despite Less Continuity of Care and Access

et al. 2014

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BACKGROUND:The growing number of primary care physicians (PCPs) reducing their clinical work hours has raised concerns about meeting the future demand for services and fulfilling the continuity and access mandates for patient-centered care. However, the patient's experience of care with part-time physicians is relatively unknown, and may be mediated by continuity and access to care outcomes. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the relationships between a physicians' clinical full-time equivalent (FTE), continuity of care, access to care, and patient satisfaction with the physician. DESIGN: We used a multi-level structural equation estimation, with continuity and access modeled as mediators, for a cross-section in 2010. PARTICIPANTS: The study included family medicine (n=104) and internal medicine (n=101) physicians in a multi-specialty group practice, along with their patient satisfaction survey responses (n=12,688). MAIN MEASURES: Physician level FTE, continuity of care received by patients, continuity of care provided by physician, and a Press Ganey patient satisfaction with the physician score, on a 0-100 % scale, were measured. Access to care was measured as days to the third nextavailable appointment. KEY RESULTS: Physician FTE was directly associated with better continuity of care received (0.172 % per FTE, p<0.001), better continuity of care provided (0.108 % per FTE, p<0.001), and better access to care (−0.033 days per FTE, p<0.01), but worse patient satisfaction scores (−0.080 % per FTE, p=0.03). The continuity of care provided was a significant mediator (0.016 % per FTE, p<0.01) of the relationship between FTE and patient satisfaction; but overall, reduced clinical work hours were associated with better patient satisfaction (−0.053 % per FTE, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that PCPs who choose to work fewer clinical hours may have worse continuity and access, but they may provide a better patient experience. Physician workforce planning should consider these care attributes when considering the role of parttime PCPs in practice redesign efforts and initiatives to meet the demand for primary care services.KEY WORDS: part-time work; continuity of care; access to care; patient satisfaction.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 52%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Patients Report Better Satisfaction with Part-Time Primary Care Physicians, Despite Less Continuity of Care and Access

et al. 2014

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“…Previous studies have been conflicting with regard to part-time physicians' need to make compromises with regard to their duties compared with those who work full-time. [13][14][15] Our data indicate that the opposite is more likely to be true, at least for general 7 by guest on April 29, 2019 www.aappublications.org/news Downloaded from pediatricians. It is possible that the relatively high percentage of parttime pediatricians has created more power in the marketplace or that those who work part-time have fewer demands regarding their professional and clinical duties as long as they are able to work part-time.…”

Section: Current Positions Versus Desired Professional and Clinical Rmentioning

confidence: 77%

Current Workforce of General Pediatricians in the United States

Freed

Moran²,

Van³

et al. 2016

Pediatrics

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:A near vacuum exists for credible information regarding specialtyspecific demography, including gender, years since training completion, current employer, academic affiliation, and hours worked in specific tasks. Understanding the current status and changes to the medical workforce and its work patterns is essential to assessing whether the supply and distribution meets the needs of patients, institutions, society, and educational programs.

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“…20 The operational cost of replacing a primary care physician has been estimated at $250,000. 21 If retention rates are higher among part-time faculty because of higher job satisfaction, 22 or if part-time faculty fill urgent gaps in service needs, hiring part-time faculty may lead to overall cost savings in recruitment. Further, part-time clinicians, educators, and researchers may actually be more productive than their full-time counterparts because of more flexibility of time and energy.…”

Section: Costsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…22 Job dissatisfaction and burnout can potentially translate into decrements in morale and productivity, which are hidden-but real-costs to institutions. The implications of these qualitative factors can be considerable; part-time faculty, who are less susceptible to such factors, may consequently improve patient satisfaction and productivity as well as recruitment and retention.…”

Section: Costsmentioning

confidence: 99%