The use of conjoint analysis to study patient satisfaction

Previous research has identified aspects of the outpatient interactions bet ween patients and physicians that are important for patient satisfaction. I II this study, conjoint analysis was used to determine the relative importa nce of these factors to patients. This study found the perceived skill of t he physician to he the most important factor and waiting time in the office the least important. The use of cojoint analysis should help both patients and physicians to maximize patient satisfaction while minimizing costs as much as possible. (C) 1999 Sage Publications, Inc.