Michigan patients prefer continuity of care over quick access

A recent study has found that many patients value continuity and trust with their primary care physician (PCP) over quick access to healthcare. This research shows that patients often prefer waiting for their own doctor rather than seeing another clinician for faster appointments. The study involved an online survey of adult primary care patients in Michigan. Researchers asked participants to choose their preferences for various visit scenarios, like annual checkups or new symptoms. They could choose to see only their PCP, prefer their PCP but consider other options, or take the first available clinician. The analysis included responses from 2,319 patients. Results revealed that over half of the participants preferred to see their PCP for routine visits and follow-ups. For sensitive exams or new mental health concerns, about 68% of patients were willing to wait 3 to 4 weeks for their PCP. However, for urgent issues, only 7% preferred to wait and most opted for the soonest available clinician. This study highlights the importance of trust and continuity in patient care. As healthcare systems increasingly focus on providing quick access to services, the findings suggest that these trends may not meet patient preferences.