Patient satisfaction in women's clinics versus traditional primary care clinics in the Veterans Administration.
OBJECTIVE
To compare patient satisfaction in women's clinics (WCs) versus traditional primary care clinics (TCs).


METHODS
Anonymous, cross-sectional mailed survey.


METHODS
Eight Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers in 3 states.


METHODS
A random sample of women stratified by site and enrollment in WC versus TC (total response rate = 61%).


METHODS
Overall satisfaction and gender-specific satisfaction as measured by the Primary Care Satisfaction Survey for Women (PCSSW).


METHODS
We dichotomized the satisfaction scores (excellent versus all other), and compared excellent satisfaction in WCs versus TCs using logistic regression, controlling for demographics, health status, health care use, and location.


RESULTS
Women enrolled in WCs were more likely than those in TCs to report excellent overall satisfaction (odds ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.00 to 2.02; P = .05). Multivariate models demonstrated that receipt of care in WCs was a significant positive predictor for all 5 satisfaction domains (i.e., getting care, privacy and comfort, communication, complete care, and follow-up care) with the gender-specific satisfaction instrument (PCSSW).


CONCLUSIONS
This study is the first to consistently show higher satisfaction in WCs versus TCs despite age and race differences and comparable health status. Since these WCs show better quality in terms of satisfaction, other quality indicators should be evaluated. If WCs reduce fragmentation and improve health care delivery, the model will be applicable in VA and non-VA outpatient settings.
Bean-Mayberry
Bevanne A
BA
Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa 15240, USA. bevanne.bean-mayberry@med.va.gov
Chang
Chung-Chou H
CC
McNeil
Melissa A
MA
Whittle
Jeff
J
Hayes
Patricia M
PM
Scholle
Sarah Hudson
SH
D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs; D014932:Women's Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data