Impact of Work Conditions and Minority Patient Populations on Quality and Errors.
Publication/Presentation Date
1-1-2016
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To determine whether workplace conditions affect care quality and errors, especially in primary care clinics serving minority patients.
METHODS: We conducted a 3-year assessment of work conditions and patient outcomes in 73 primary care clinics in the upper Midwest and New York City. Study participants included 287 physicians and 1204 patients with hypertension and/or diabetes. Chart audit data were contrasted between clinics with ≥30% minority patients (minority-serving clinics, or MSCs) and those with < 30% (nonminority-serving clinics, or NMSCs). Physicians reported on time pressure, work control, clinical resources, and specialty referral access; managers described room availability; and chart audits determined care errors and quality. Two-level hierarchical models tested work conditions as mediators between MSC status and clinical outcomes.
RESULTS: Error rates were higher in MSCs than NMSCs (29.6% vs 24.8%,
CONCLUSION: Work conditions such as clinical resources, examination room availability, and access to referrals are significantly associated with errors and quality, especially in MSCs.
Volume
3
First Page
2333392815625997
Last Page
2333392815625997
ISSN
2333-3928
Published In/Presented At
Varkey, A. B., Manwell, L. B., Brown, R. L., Montague, E., Laiteerapong, N., Burgess, D., & Ibrahim, S. (2016). Impact of Work Conditions and Minority Patient Populations on Quality and Errors. Health services research and managerial epidemiology, 3, 2333392815625997. https://doi.org/10.1177/2333392815625997
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
28462273
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article