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A Regional Survey on Residents' Preferences on Patient-Centered Medical Home Design in Rural Areas
Hui Cai1, Kent Spreckelmeyer1, Amy Mendenhall2
11 Department of Architecture, the University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
HERD
|December 4, 2018
Summary
Rural residents prioritize privacy, family space, and communication areas in healthcare settings. Understanding these patient-centered medical home (PCMH) environmental preferences is key for improving rural healthcare delivery.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare delivery
- Rural health
- Patient experience
Background:
- The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model aims to enhance patient outcomes and reduce costs.
- Limited research exists on patient perspectives, particularly from rural communities, regarding PCMH.
- This study addresses the gap by focusing on rural residents' views on PCMH and its physical environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore rural residents' preferences for patient-centered medical home (PCMH) attributes.
- To identify preferred physical environment features that support PCMH in rural settings.
- To understand how demographic factors and care preferences influence environmental choices.
Main Methods:
- An exploratory survey was conducted with 362 rural residents in the Midwestern region.
- Survey items assessed preferences for key PCMH attributes (comprehensive, patient-centered, coordinated, accessible, quality) and supporting physical environments.
- Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and open-ended responses.
Main Results:
- Demographics significantly influenced preferences for PCMH spatial features.
- Top environmental priorities include privacy, space for family in exam rooms, and areas for communication.
- Preferences for PCMH attributes (e.g., comprehensive, patient-centered care) correlated with desired space features.
Conclusions:
- Rural residents' perspectives are crucial for designing effective PCMH physical environments.
- Key environmental factors identified can guide the development of supportive healthcare spaces in rural areas.
- While patient-centered care is generally satisfactory, improvements are needed in other PCMH aspects.