Patient attitudes and utilization patterns in Army medical treatment facilities

Area of Science:

• Military health services research
• Health services administration
• Patient satisfaction studies

Background:

• Congressional directive to study the military medical care system.
• Need for baseline data to compare future study findings.
• Previous patient satisfaction surveys conducted from 1989-1992.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient satisfaction with the Army health care system.
• To develop regression models predicting overall quality of care.
• To provide baseline data for future military medical care system comparisons.

Main Methods:

• Patient satisfaction surveys administered to eligible beneficiaries.
• Data collected from 1989 to 1992.
• Development of regression models to predict quality of care.

Main Results:

• Most beneficiaries expressed general satisfaction with the Army health care system.
• Care from CHAMPUS, private, or other sources was rated higher than care in Army MMTFs.
• Retired personnel reported the highest satisfaction, while active duty dependents reported the lowest.

Conclusions:

• While generally satisfied, beneficiaries prefer external healthcare options over Army MMTFs.
• Satisfaction levels vary significantly across different beneficiary groups.
• Findings provide crucial baseline data for evaluating the military medical care system.