Barriers to the integration of psychosocial factors in medicine: results of a national survey of physicians.
OBJECTIVE
Examine physicians' attitudes toward the incorporation of psychosocial factors in diagnosis and treatment and identify barriers to the integration of evidence-based mind-body methods.


METHODS
Random sample of primary care physicians and physicians from selected non-primary specialties was drawn. A total of 1058 physicians completed a 12-page survey.


RESULTS
The response rate was 27%. Although a majority of physicians seem to recognize the importance of addressing psychosocial issues, approximately one third believe that addressing such factors would lead to minimal or no improvements in outcomes. A minority reports their training regarding the role of psychosocial factors was effective, and relatively few indicate interest in receiving further training in these areas. Males were less likely to believe in the importance of addressing psychosocial factors. Additional factors included perceptions that training was poor in these areas; feelings of low self-efficacy to address psychosocial issues and the perception that such factors are difficult to control; lack of knowledge of the evidence-base supporting the role of psychosocial factors; and lack of time and inadequate reimbursement to address the psychosocial domain.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest the need for more comprehensive training in the role of psychosocial factors in health. In addition, the finding that physicians identify lack of time and inadequate reimbursement as significant barriers suggests that the current health care delivery system may, in many respects, be antithetical to the biopsychosocial model.
Astin
John A
JA
California Pacific Medical Center, 2300 California Street, Room 207, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA. john@integrativearts.com
Soeken
Karen
K
Sierpina
Victor S
VS
Clarridge
Brian R
BR
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011584:Psychology; D011603:Psychophysiology; D014481:United States