Understanding health care communication preferences of veteran primary care users Journal Article

Local Library Link: Find It @ Loyola

Authors: LaVela, S. L.; Schectman, G.; Gering, J.; Locatelli, S. M.; Gawron, A.; Weaver, F M
Article Title: Understanding health care communication preferences of veteran primary care users
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess veterans' health communication preferences (in-person, telephone, or electronic) for primary care needs and the impact of computer use on preferences. METHODS: Structured patient interviews (n=448). Bivariate analyses examined preferences for primary care by 'infrequent' vs. 'regular' computer users. RESULTS: Only 54% were regular computer users, nearly all of whom had ever used the internet. 'Telephone' was preferred for 6 of 10 reasons (general medical questions, medication questions and refills, preventive care reminders, scheduling, and test results); although telephone was preferred by markedly fewer regular computer users. 'In-person' was preferred for new/ongoing conditions/symptoms, treatment instructions, and next care steps; these preferences were unaffected by computer use frequency. Among regular computer users, 1/3 preferred 'electronic' for preventive reminders (37%), test results (34%), and refills (32%). CONCLUSION: For most primary care needs, telephone communication was preferred, although by a greater proportion of infrequent vs. regular computer users. In-person communication was preferred for reasons that may require an exam or visual instructions. About 1/3 of regular computer users prefer electronic communication for routine needs, e.g., preventive reminders, test results, and refills. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: These findings can be used to plan patient-centered care that is aligned with veterans' preferred health communication methods.
Journal Title: Patient Education Counseling
Volume: 88
Issue: 3
ISSN: 0738-3991
Publisher: Unknown  
Date Published: 2012
Start Page: 420
End Page: 426
Language: English
DOI/URL:

http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true=rzh=2011636662=ehost-live

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2012.06.004
Notes: ID: 12668; ID: 2011636662