Cultural consensus analysis as a tool for clinic improvements
- C. Scott Smitha, b(Author),
- Magdalena Morrisa, d(Author),
- William Hilla(Author),
- ,
- Juliet McMullinf(Author),
- Leo Chavezc(Author)
- aBoise VA Medical Center,
- bUniversity of Washington,
- cUniversity of California-Irvine,
- dBoise State University,
- eNorthwest Reg. Fac. Devmt. Center,
- fUniversity of California
Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review
Abstract
Some problems in clinic function recur because of unexpected value differences between patients, faculty, and residents. Cultural consensus analysis (CCA) is a method used by anthropologists to identify groups with shared values. After conducting an ethnographic study and using focus groups, we developed and validated a CCA tool for use in clinics. Using this instrument, we identified distinct groups with 6 important value differences between those groups. An analysis of these value differences suggested specific and pragmatic interventions to improve clinic functioning. The instrument has also performed well in preliminary tests at another clinic.