Patient Sources of Information and Decision Factors in Selecting Cosmetic Surgeons

Health Marketing QuarterlyPublished 11 September 1998

Linda I. Nowak, Judith H. Washburn

DOI10.1300/j026v15n04_03

Source URL

Citations23

SJR quartileQ2

SJR score0.33

SNIP0.52

TL;DR

Physician referrals were found to be the most influential sources of information for both groups and primary selection factors were significantly different between groups, with board certification themost influential for cosmetic patients and recommendation by physician most influential for medical patients.

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an exploratory study designed to examine influential information sources and decision factors in the selection of plastic surgeons for cosmetic versus medical procedures. Physician referrals were found to be the most influential sources of information for both groups. Word-of-mouth and magazine and newspaper articles were also important information sources for cosmetic patients. Primary selection factors were significantly different between groups, with board certification the most influential for cosmetic patients and recommendation by physician most influential for medical patients.

Keywords

Social SciencesBusiness, Management and Accounting

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