Objective: To determine each generational group’s predilections for their healthcare provider in a movement disorder clinic. Background: Each generation (i.e. Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation Xers, Millenials) is thought to have a collective approach, core values, and perspectives on society. Identifying generational differences on healthcare preferences may help clinicians improve patient care.

Background: Each generation (i.e. Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation Xers, Millenials) is thought to have a collective approach, core values, and perspectives on society. Identifying generational differences on healthcare preferences may help clinicians improve patient care.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 230 patients from our movement disorders center were recruited to fill out a survey with demographic information and healthcare preferences questions measured on a five-point Likert scale. Medical encounter scenarios were used to assess the patient’s view on clinician’s time management and style of care. Descriptive statistics were calculated. A proportional odds model was applied to determine the differences in odds of agreement among generational groups.

Results: Sample included 53% female and 92% white patients with an average age of 57.4 (SD 18.2). Regardless of the generation, most patients responded neutrally about their preferences for their clinician’s gender, attire, age, and the presence of a foreign accent. All generations, especially the Generation Xers (p=.044) saw their doctor as a friend and an advocate, at the same time as a figure of authority. Most patients surveyed also preferred to be included in the clinical decision making. However, Millennials, Generation Xers and Traditionalists were more likely to prefer a clinician of the same gender (p < .001; p < .001; p = .007) and of an older age (p = .004; p = .003; p = .002). All generations, except for Millennials (p = .042), reported no preferences towards the presence a foreign accent. White coat use was mostly preferred by Traditionalists (p = .038). Baby Boomers remained mostly neutral when indicating their clinician preferences. When given choices of different case scenarios, most patients, regardless of generational group, would rather have a “gentle and thorough” clinician as opposed to one with more “direct and confident” approach.

Conclusions: Regardless of the generation, patients prefer a gentle, thorough and friendly clinician who includes them in the clinical decision making. The oldest and the youngest generations tend to have stronger opinions with regards to gender, age, use of white coat, or presence of a foreign accent in their doctors. Baby Boomers appeared to be more flexible and have neutral preferences regarding their doctor.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/approach-to-health-care-shaped-by-generational-expectations-the-age-study-patients-preferences-for-healthcare-providers/