Michigan's Medical Service Plan: factors responsible for its success

Eight years after the implementation of its medical service plan, the University of Michigan Medical School carried out a study to determine the extent to which the plan met its original objectives. An analysis of the plan's revenue and expenses, a review of the impact on medical school programs of education, research, and patient care, and an assessment of the environment influencing chairman and faculty recruitment and retention all support the conclusion that Michigan's medical service plan has been successful. In an effort to determine why the plan has succeeded, 35 individuals were surveyed to identify the factors thought to be responsible. A total of 32 potential factors were named; six were considered to be "key/critical," and another 11 were identified as "important/contributory." It is hoped that a sharing of Michigan's experience and understandings will be of help to the approximately 110 medical service plans that exist within the nation's 126 medical schools.