Date of Submission
2017
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Department
Psychology
Department Chair
Robert A DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP
First Advisor
Robert A DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP
Abstract
As the healthcare system continues to evolve, issues related to cost and access to care continue to persist. In response to this concern, integrated models of healthcare, like the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), have been developed to work toward reducing cost for both patients and providers, increasing patient access to quality care, and improving patients’ overall satisfaction with the care that they are provided. However, despite the overwhelming evidence found in the literature supporting the efficacy and benefit of these treatment models, it is unclear why more providers do not choose to practice in and support collaborative forms of healthcare provision. In order to understand how providers view and understand this approach to providing care, this study was developed to examine the current attitudes, levels of interest and knowledge that licensed practicing physicians and psychologists have toward integrated healthcare practices and the PCMH model. Participants completed an online questionnaire that was developed for this study to help illuminate a provider’s understanding and perceptions about integrated forms of care based on three primary constructs: attitudes, interest, and knowledge. Multivariate Analyses of Variance and a Pearson’s Correlation were used to analyze the data. The first independent variable had three levels that described whether the participant was a licensed and practicing psychologist, Doctor of Medicine, or Doctor of Osteopathy. The second independent variable had two levels that included the years of post-licensure experience time frames of fewer than 1 to 10 years, and more than 10 years of clinical practice in an integrated healthcare environment. The third independent variable had two levels: experience versus no experience in working or having worked in an integrated care setting. The three dependent variables were the attitudes, levels of interest and knowledge that a provider holds about integrated healthcare models. Findings suggested that psychologists held more positive attitudes, and a higher level of interest and knowledge about integrated models of healthcare than did physicians. Additionally, a provider’s amount of post-licensure experience did not significantly impact his or her rating on the dependent variables. It was also shown that a positive relationship exists between the three dependent variables. Finally, providers who had previous experience working in an integrated healthcare environment held more positive attitudes toward, more interest in, and more knowledge about integrated healthcare practices and PCMH model than those who had no prior experience.
Recommended Citation
Cassano, Mark, "The Attitudes, Level of Interest, and Knowledge Held by Physicians and Psychologists Toward Integrated Healthcare Practices and the Patient-Centered Medical Home Model" (2017). PCOM Psychology Dissertations. 422.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/psychology_dissertations/422