Factors Associated with Medical Students' Attitudes About Cost-Conscious Care: A Mixed-Methods Multi-school Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Health Economics
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• Physician practices significantly impact national healthcare expenditures.
• Educating physicians on high-value cost-conscious care (HVCCC) is crucial for cost containment.
• The learning environment influences physicians' attitudes and behaviors toward HVCCC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between medical students' experiences and their attitudes towards HVCCC.
• To identify factors shaping medical students' perceptions of HVCCC.

Main Methods:

• A multi-institutional survey was administered to medical students across nine US medical schools.
• The survey included the Maastricht HVCCC Attitudes Questionnaire to assess attitudes.
• Quantitative (ANOVA) and qualitative (content analysis) methods were employed.

Main Results:

• Students in continuity-oriented specialties showed more favorable HVCCC attitudes than those in technique-oriented specialties.
• Personal, educational, and professional experiences were found to shape students' HVCCC attitudes.
• Individual interpretation of similar experiences led to varied attitudes toward HVCCC.

Conclusions:

• Specialty choice, particularly those involving longitudinal patient contact, may foster greater enthusiasm for high-value care.
• Pre-medical and in-medical school life experiences profoundly shape students' HVCCC attitudes.
• Complex interplay of life experiences and educational factors drives student perceptions of HVCCC.