Attitudes of a sample of California physicians toward criteria of high-quality care

The criteria of high-quality care as determined by a sample of practicing Californian physicians were analyzed. In addition, the effects of year of graduation and specialty choice were examined relative to choice of criteria. As a group these physicians perceived the cognitive competencies of the doctor, the traditional doctor-patient relationship, and the outcome of treatment as the essential ingredients in high-quality care. They paid considerably less attention to criteria reflecting sensitivity to costs, geographic availability of care, and differences in cultural expectations regarding care. Specialty choice exerted very little influence on the selection of criteria; year of graduation from medical school was more influential. Physicians graduating in 1970-71 were more sensitive to the place of preventive medicine in ensuring quality as well as more aware of social and economic factors affecting care.