Physician's perspective & influence on patient education resources in the waiting room

Context: This study was conducted to gain a better understanding of physicians’ roles and perspectives of education in the waiting room. Objective: To date little empirical data exists assessing physician preferences on use of education resources in the waiting room. This study is designed to examine physicians’ preferences for use, their role in selection, their perception of patients’ satisfaction with resources, and differences among patient population. Methods: This study used an anonymous online survey developed by the researchers and provided to physicians through the ACOFP mailing list. Using a 5-point Likert scale, physicians’ opinions of patient education materials in the waiting room and perceptions of patient satisfaction were assessed. Subjects were also asked what type of education materials they use in their waiting rooms. Results: In total, 50 surveys were collected. A bivariant Pearson correlation was used to analyze the data obtained. Early results indicate physicians with the ability to select the materials for the waiting room have greater satisfaction with the waiting room (r=.278, p=.05), spend more time in the waiting room (r=.50, p<.001) and report that more patients ask about educational items that are presented in the waiting room (r=.38, p=.006). It was also found that male physicians were more likely to endorse a “relaxed” waiting room (F(2, 48)=.4223, p=.045) and endorsed a greater ability to select the materials in the waiting room when compared to females (F(2, 48)=6.960, p=.011). Also of note, these materials are viewed as less beneficial in practices with higher proportions of Hispanic patients (r=-.51, p<.001), younger children/adults (age 0-21) (r=-57, p<.001), and practices that accept higher rates of Medicare (r-.34, p=.021). Conclusion: These data have the potential to inform medical organizations both of the desired role physicians wish to play in educating their patients and which materials are preferred. However, these preliminary results warrant further exploration of physicians’ preferences based on practice setting and patient populations.