Physician and consumer attitudes and behaviors regarding self-help health support groups as an adjunct to traditional medical care.
This study assessed the creditability of self-help health support groups as an adjunct to traditional medical care among a sampling of physicians (N = 120) and group members (N = 73) located in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metropolitan area. Findings suggest a general lack of awareness of local groups among physicians, referral to only a few select groups, as well as little communication between health care professionals and their patients. Physicians in group practice, surgical specialties, and having never referred patients to support groups responded less favorably. Several benefits were reported by the group members, although for a majority their patient-physician relationship remained relatively unchanged.
Fridinger
F
F
Division of Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation, University of North Texas, Denton 76203.
Goodwin
G
G
Chng
C L
CL
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001364:Awareness; D003256:Community Participation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008511:Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010820:Physicians / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013038:Specialization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013781:Texas