Patient and Provider Factors Associated with Selected Measures of Quality of Care

Abstract

Studies assessing quality of general pediatric care are handicapped by (1) lack of explicit criteria, (2) the broad spectrum of medical needs presented, and (3) the need to distinguish between influence of patient and provider factors. In this study, part of a comprehensive study of utilization of pediatric services at five sites (three neighborhood health centers, an emergency room, and a hospital-based primary care program), we selected three measures sampling different aspects of quality of care, including (1) immunization status, (2) screening procedures, and (3) ongoing care for ten tracer conditions. Adequacy of follow-up of the tracer conditions was assessed along two dimensions: (1) whether a return appointment was scheduled, and (2) whether the patient kept the appointment ("compliance"). Results indicate that attainment of fully immunized status varies inversely with age, while for the tracer conditions, arrangement of follow-up (provider factor) was associated with site, and compliance (patient factor) was associated with both site and pattern of use. Accomplishment of follow-up was better for patients diagnosed in a primary care facility than in the emergency room and for patients with close ties to a primary care facility than for those with limited or no involvement with primary care. These findings support the value of continuity of care in a setting designed to deliver comprehensive care.