The impacts of Malaysian managed care on doctor-patient relationships, ethical practice of medicine, and quality of care: a study on primary care physicians’ perception

Abstract

Managed care is becoming a critical factor of healthcare delivery which assures a lower cost without compromising the quality of care. However, this practice has increased the physicians’ responsibilities in terms of cost containment and patient care. This study analyzed the perception of physicians on the impact of managed care on doctor-patient relationships, the ethical practice of medicine, and the quality of care. Data were gathered from a survey of physicians in Malaysia. Variables representing doctor-patient relationships, ethical practice of medicine, and quality of care were calculated using median. The findings showed that physicians have a positive perception of managed care on doctor-patient relationships, the ethical practice of medicine, and the quality of care in clinical practice.