Physicians' Perceptions of Patients in a County Sponsored Health Plan

ABSTRACT

In this country, those who have low-incomes and are without health insurance may feel discriminated against and stigmatized by healthcare providers. In our evaluation of a health plan for uninsured residents of a county in a Midwestern state, we found a relationship between negative stereotypes among some physicians (voiced by physicians themselves and observed by the evaluators and program administrative staff) and clients' perception of discrimination by physicians because of these negative stereotypes. This perceived stigma may negatively impact on patient care. The clinicians' negative view of these patients can also be transmitted to physicians' office staff that then, overtly or covertly, encourage different treatment of patients. We hope to increase provider awareness of the impact of their attitudes on patients and subsequently improve patient outcomes.

KEYWORDS:

• Medically uninsured
• attitude of health personnel
• patient satisfaction
• health care quality
• access
• and evaluation