Predictors of patient satisfaction and health care costs for patients with fibromyalgia

Authors: Serber E.R.; Cronan T.A.; Walen H.R.

Source: Psychology and Health, Volume 18, Number 6, December 2003 , pp. 771-787(17)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

Patient satisfaction may be defined as the extent to which a patient believes that his or her health care needs are met and whether their preferences are considered. Early research focused on sociodemographic variables as correlates of patient satisfaction, and recently psychosocial variables have received attention. The present study was an examination of members of a health maintenance organization who were diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). It was hypothesized that demographic, health and psychosocial variables would predict patient satisfaction, and in turn that patient satisfaction would predict health care costs. Multiple regression analyses indicated that greater satisfaction with social support and higher scores on agreeableness were associated with greater patient satisfaction, although only 13% of the variance in patient satisfaction was explained. Future studies of patient satisfaction should examine physicians' attitudes and behaviors along with those of patients.

Keywords: Patient satisfaction; Health care costs; Fibromyalgia; Chronic pain

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0887044031000148237

Affiliations: 1: San Diego State University Project USE 6505 Alvarado Road Suite 110 San Diego CA 92120 USA

Publication date: 2003-12-01