Type of Document	Thesis
Author	Padgett, Tiffanee
Author's Email Address	tap02d@garnet.acns.fsu.edu
URN	etd-11092005-190009
Title	Patient Satisfaction with Rural Primary Care Services: A study of the Relationship between Provider Type and Level of Satisfaction
Degree	Master of Science
Department	Nursing, School of
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title James Whyte IV Committee Chair Deborah Frank Committee Member Mary Beth Zeni Committee Member
Keywords	Pr Rural Primary Care Patient Satisfaction
Date of Defense	2005-10-28
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract Rural communities in the United States are served by relatively fewer health care professionals than urban or suburban areas. As the physician shortage remains a concern in rural America, the expanded roles of other health care practitioners, also known as non-physician providers, are increasing. These non-physician health care providers are titled as nurse practitioners (NP) and physician’s assistants (PA). Such practitioners are critically important to ensure quality, cost effective health care for rural communities. The purpose of this study was to differentiate levels of satisfaction with physician and non-physician primary care providers and their practices in the rural Southeast by identifying differential characteristics of specific practitioners and their practices. Donabedian’s structure, process and outcome model was used as the framework. Variables from all three components were assessed. This study was a descriptive non-experimental design utilizing a convenience sample of 61 participants from two rural health clinics in North Florida. A modified version of SERVQUAL was used to measure the outcome variables of patient satisfaction. Perceptions of the healthcare experience were measured after the participant visit. Variables measured include the following; tangibles, cleanliness, reliability, responsiveness, competence, courtesy, credibility, security, easy access, communication and understanding. Such variables are important factors in the promotion of a positive healthcare experience. This study sought to examine the question as to whether levels of patient satisfaction are significantly different for MDs, NPs, and PAs. Using the one-way ANOVA, a general analysis of participants responses, found that there is no difference between levels of patient satisfaction with MDs, NPs, or PAs. This study examined the perception of rural patient’s level of satisfaction with primary care providers and their practices in the S.E. U.S. and clearly demonstrated that there is no differences in satisfaction or preferences of one provider over another in this rural community of Northern Florida thereby supporting the null hypothesis As physician shortages continue to be a problem in rural communities, non-physician providers remain essential to provide adequate quality healthcare coverage.
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