Do consumers in Taiwan need physician information?

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Consumer Health Informatics
• Medical Decision Making

Background:

• Understanding patient needs for physician information is essential for healthcare quality.
• Consumer-driven healthcare emphasizes informed choices in physician selection.
• Limited research exists on the specific information consumers prioritize when choosing a physician.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the extent of consumer needs for physician information.
• To identify the types of physician information used by consumers in decision-making.
• To explore factors influencing patients' need for physician data.

Main Methods:

• A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 700 patients in general surgery outpatient departments.
• Data were collected from 687 respondents across seven hospitals in June 2003.
• Multiple logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with the need for physician information.

Main Results:

• A significant majority (74.7%) reported a strong need for physician information.
• Approximately 90% indicated willingness to switch physicians based on performance data.
• Top information priorities included physician specialties, malpractice history, and patient satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• The study confirmed a high demand for physician information among patients (88.1%).
• Physician profiling systems are supported by consumer needs and organizational calls.
• Recommendations include investing in a physician profiling system in Taiwan, developed with multi-stakeholder input.