Patients' and providers' satisfaction with shared medical appointments

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Patient Care Models
• Chronic Disease Management

Background:

• Shared medical appointments (SMAs) involve group medical visits.
• Previous work explored SMA potential and support in Australia.
• This study focuses on patient and provider satisfaction and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure patient and provider attitudes and satisfaction with SMAs.
• To assess suitability of SMAs for Australian healthcare conditions.
• To evaluate subjective outcomes following SMA participation.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 24 SMAs across eight medical centers in Australia.
• Included sites in New South Wales, South Australia, and Queensland.
• Utilized mixed-methods analysis for over 200 patient attendances.

Main Results:

• High levels of satisfaction reported by both patients and providers.
• Overwhelming patient interest in continuing SMA use.
• All participating providers expressed a desire to continue offering SMAs.

Conclusions:

• SMAs demonstrate significant potential as a process tool.
• Results suggest SMAs are valuable for chronic disease management in Australia.
• This pilot study supports the integration of SMAs into clinical practice.