Older adults frustrated with primary care experiences

An online survey found that baby boomers are not managing their health sufficiently and are experiencing frustration in primary care settings, according to a press release.

The MDVIP Boomer Health Survey was conducted nationally between Aug. 25 and 31 by Ipsos Public Affairs on behalf of MDVIP. The survey included 1,049 adults aged between 51 and 69 years.

Despite the majority participants indicating that preventive care plays an important role in staying healthy (94%), many participants also indicated that they are not adequately managing their health (74%). Additionally, many participants reported not exercising regularly (46%), eating healthy (35%) or getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep nightly (37%).

Many participants stated that they suffered from a chronic condition (73%), nearly half said it would "take an unexpected, life-threatening diagnosis for them to invest more in staying healthy" (43%).

“The survey findings show that boomers have a greater health consciousness than previous generations, but also expose the discrepancies between what boomers know they should be doing to stay healthy vs. the reality,” Bernard Kaminetsky, MD, FACP, medical director and a founding physician for MDVIP, said in the release. “A health scare or serious illness is frequently the first wake-up call for people, but many chronic conditions plaguing boomers today — from diabetes to cardiovascular disease — are often preventable. This is where good primary care plays a key role, by helping patients identify their risk factors early and influencing the necessary lifestyle changes in order to mitigate, and even prevent, disease.”

Many participants reported frustration with primary care experiences (45%), specifically with waiting in the doctor's office for their appointment (32%), time they have with their doctor (26%) and getting an appointment (18%). Participants also experienced frustration in tracking down test results (30%) and when their doctor wasn't available (23%).

According to the release, participants compared visiting their primary care doctor to chores like grocery shopping (45%), going through airport security (11%) and waiting in line at Disney (10%). Some participants (25%) reported feeling that their primary care experience is similar to talking to a trusted advisor.

In ranking their highest values in primary care providers, participants responded that they wanted longer and less hurried visits (62%), compassionate bedside manner (50%) and a greater focus on wellness and prevention (39%).

“These insights highlight the increasing challenges of traditional, volume-based medicine that are driving more consumers to look for health care alternatives,” Bret Jorgensen, chairman and CEO of MDVIP, said in the release. “Many people want and need a close relationship with their doctor, who knows them well, customizes a plan to optimize their overall health, and has the ability to intervene and coach along the way... Data show that patients who are actively engaged in their health and have better relationships with their doctor are achieving improved outcomes and better management of chronic conditions.”