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A study of HMO physicians' receptivity to special programs for sociomedical and behavioral problems
Journal of Community Health
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Most physicians in a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) favored organized programs for behavioral issues like alcoholism and drug abuse. Physician specialty and political views influenced their openness to sociomedical services.
Area of Science:
- Sociomedical research
- Behavioral health services
- Physician attitudes
Background:
- Sociomedical and behavioral problems present unique challenges within healthcare.
- Understanding physician receptivity to organized programs is crucial for service development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) physicians' willingness to engage with organized programs for sociomedical and behavioral issues.
- To identify factors influencing physician acceptance of these specialized services.
Main Methods:
- A 1977 study surveyed full-time physicians in a large prepaid group practice HMO.
- Data collection utilized a self-administered, structured questionnaire.
Main Results:
- A majority of physicians supported organized services for conditions including alcoholism, drug abuse, obesity, and sexual dysfunction.
- Support for organized services varied across different problem areas, except for alcohol and drug abuse.
- Physician specialty, American Medical Association (AMA) membership, and political orientation were key differentiators in receptivity.
Conclusions:
- Physician background, training, and experience appear more influential than practice setting in shaping attitudes towards sociomedical services.
- Targeted outreach and education may be necessary to increase physician engagement with specialized behavioral health programs.