title: Patient sources of information and decision factors in selecting cosmetic surgeons.
abstract: This paper presents the results of an exploratory study designed to examine influential information sources and decision factors in the selection of plastic surgeons for cosmetic versus medical procedures. Physician referrals were found to be the most influential sources of information for both groups. Word-of-mouth and magazine and newspaper articles were also important information sources for cosmetic patients. Primary selection factors were significantly different between groups, with board certification the most influential for cosmetic patients and recommendation by physician most influential for medical patients.
authors: School of Business and Economics, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA 94928, USA.
authors: L I
authors: LI
authors: Nowak
authors: J H
authors: JH
authors: Washburn
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D019538:Health Care Surveys / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services / Q000145:classification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008389:Marketing of Health Services; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States