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 healthrelated 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.

Men’s Educational Group Appointments in Rural Nicaragua

“…Conducting MEGA workshops in rural Nicaragua provided an environment in which men appeared to feel comfortable participating, in spite of belonging to a culture where machismo often precludes men from seeking health care. This finding was commensurate with some investigations in the United States ( Campbell et al, 2009 ; Campbell & Gosselin, 2007 ). During earlier visits to Nicaragua, it was observed that many men, who had made the journey with their families to the health post, not receive any care themselves.…”

“…In the United States, gender-specific programs have been initiated which capitalize on the benefits of group dynamics, in efforts to educate men about preventive health ( Campbell & Gosselin, 2007 ). Such programs leverage the fact that group dynamics can be effective in behavior change programs, such as weight loss and abstinence from alcohol ( Hogan, Linden, & Najarian, 2002 ; Vederhus & Kristensen, 2006 ).…”

“…Such programs leverage the fact that group dynamics can be effective in behavior change programs, such as weight loss and abstinence from alcohol ( Hogan, Linden, & Najarian, 2002 ; Vederhus & Kristensen, 2006 ). In one men’s educational group appointment (MEGA) model, high patient satisfaction was reported; patients reported increased education compared with traditional appointments, and felt more at ease attending an appointment in a group ( Campbell & Gosselin, 2007 ; Campbell, Shaw, & Gosselin, 2009 ). The problem of hypertension in Nicaraguan men was felt to be a prime target for initiation of a group-based, male-oriented, peer leadership teaching initiative.…”

Success with Men's Educational Group Appointments (MEGA): Subjective Improvements in Patient Education

“…Among the topics covered were cancer screening (colon, prostate, and testicular), primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome, nutritional counseling, and the important role of exercise and mental health in good overall health and well-being. More extensive details regarding the sessions are given in our prior work (Campbell & Gosselin, 2007), with the additional option of influenza vaccination administration during flu season. At the conclusion of each session, patients were invited to complete a survey that addressed satisfaction with the experience and contained several questions designed to help the health care team understand the differences that patients perceived in the amount of relevant medical information they acquired during the MEGA, compared with what they would have expected from a traditional one-on-one visit (Figure 1).…”

“…seeking routine primary care, which involves a group setting for the entire visit, with the exception of a private physical examination. The team identified that patient satisfaction was surprisingly high (Campbell & Gosselin, 2007) and discovered that patients frequently voiced that they were better educated about routine health issues after these sessions compared with their traditional one-on-one visits. This prompted further investigation of patients' perceptions of how much medical information they acquired in the Men's Educational Group Appointment (MEGA) compared with their level of learning during prior individual physical examinations.…”