High patient satisfaction amongst males participating in men's educational group appointments (MEGA) for routine physical exams

Abstract

Background

There is an insidious health crisis facing men in the United States today. They have a higher age-adjusted death rate, compared with that of women, from nearly all of the leading causes of death. Although genetics play a role, unhealthy behavior, avoidance of health care, and making poor health-related decisions also significantly contribute to premature death and disability amongst men. Having identified that behavior change amongst men is needed, and using the observation that group dynamics have been shown to benefit in other behavior change programs (such as weight loss and alcohol cessation), we have applied the same group dynamic principle to men's health maintenance. Herein we report on patient satisfaction using this approach, and outline a plan to study its long term effect on men's health-related behavior.

Methods

We initiated a small group appointment program for routine male physical examinations, termed the Men's Educational Group Appointment (MEGA). It was designed to emphasize patient education about male-specific health issues, to increase patient/provider face time, and to provide an interactive environment that encourages men to learn from their and other patients’ questions. It involved a private physical exam segment, a group review of laboratory data and their significance, a didactic PowerPoint presentation using visual aids (and humor) to illustrate key elements of health issues facing men, and a lengthy question and answer session. Satisfaction surveys were administered at the conclusion of each session and compiled for analysis.

Results/Conclusions

We observed high patient satisfaction amongst males participating in the MEGA for routine physical exams (100% of patients responded that it was either ‘worthwhile’ (21%) or ‘extremely worthwhile’ (79%). This model appears to foster increased patient education based upon both more time with the health care providers, and the ability of patients to benefit from the questions of other patients. Our current challenge is to demonstrate its superiority to the traditional one-on-one visit with respect to information retention, follow-through with recommended health screening practices, and overall better health-related decisions.