Brief report: Trainee provider perceptions of group visits

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of observing group visits on trainees' perceptions of group visits as a method of health care delivery.

Research design and methods: Thirty-two trainees assigned to month-long rotations at an academic Internal Medicine Primary Care Clinic serving underinsured patients were recruited to observe between 1 and 4 group visits. Prior to observation of their first, and subsequent to observation of their last group visit, each trainee completed the Patient-Physician Orientation Scale (PPOS), a validated survey evaluating their tendencies toward being patient-centered or provider-centered. Additionally, they completed a Group Visit Questionnaire (GVQ) evaluating their perceptions of group visits as a method of health care delivery.

Results: Trainee gender, type, and level of training were similarly represented across the study population of trainees. While there were no significant differences noted on pre- and postobservation PPOS scores, the postobservation GVQs scores were significantly improved after observing at least one group visit (P<.0001).

Conclusion: Trainees' perceptions of group visits as a method of health care delivery improved significantly after observation of at least 1 group as measured by the GVQ.