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Published on: September 30, 2020
Factors associated with healthcare-related frustrations among adults with chronic conditions
Matthew Lee Smith1, Caroline D Bergeron2, Colin H Adler3
1College of Public Health, The University of Georgia, #101 Hudson Hall, Health Sciences Campus, Athens, GA 30602, USA; School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
Objective:
Healthcare-related frustrations (HRFs) are common occurrences in patient-provider interactions. Little is known about HRFs experienced by individuals with chronic conditions. The purposes of this study were to: 1) identify the frequency of six HRFs among adults with chronic conditions; 2) assess factors associated with these HRFs; and 3) examine factors associated with multiple HRFs.
Methods:
Data were analyzed from 589 middle-aged and older adults with 1+ chronic conditions. A series of logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with each frustration, and an ordinal regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with increasing frustrations.
Results:
Participants reported at least two of the six HRFs. The most commonly reported HRFs included feeling tired of describing the same condition (46%) and wishing their doctor had more time to speak with them during visits (44%). Having functional limitations (Beta=0.58, P=0.004), reporting more self-care barriers (Beta=0.41, P<0.001), visiting a physician more frequently (P<0.05), and having less support (Beta=-0.64, P=0.013) were associated with increasing HRFs.
Conclusion:
Reducing HRFs may improve patient-provider interactions, chronic disease management, and patients' overall quality of life.
Practice Implications:
Care coordination, communication and cultural competency training, and a review of materials may help address these frustrations.
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