The receptivity to and the feasibility of patient education for patients of private practice, primary care physicians.

This article describes a study of the receptivity to and the feasibility of a patient education service for patients of private practice, primary care physicians. A stratified (by medical specialty), random sample of 400 private practice, primary care physicians in the State of Maryland was selected from the State medical society roster. In addition, a random sample of 800 health care consumers was selected from a listing of residents in a five county area of Maryland. Questionnaires were developed, pilot tested, revised, and eventually mailed to the physician and consumer samples. Completed questionnaires were obtained from 140 physicians and from 314 consumers. Results indicated that both physicians and consumers were receptive to patient education in the private practice medical setting. Based upon the findings, recommendations are offered regarding the manner in which patient education in a private practice medical setting should be organized.