Medical assistants (MAs) could demonstrate an increased motivation at work when provided with financial incentives, an Annals of Family Medicine study finds.
Financial incentives may also enhance the quality of care they provide, according to the research.
“As health care systems nationwide aim to improve population health measures, it may be a savvy use of limited resources to focus incentives more on MAs,” the study concluded.
Most of the respondents reacted positively when the focus group leader presented them with a hypothetical financial incentive of $250 every three months, Xtelligent Healthcare Media reported. On the other hand, a small group of MAs stated that they would prefer a raise rather than any sort of financial bonus, the study revealed. This group felt that they don't need to be incentivized to do tasks that are already considered part of the job.
During a focus group discussion, the MA participants indicated that financial incentives could help close gaps and increase effort with tasks.
The study and collection of data were completed from August to December 2019. The research used mixed methods to explore MAs’ perspectives on financial incentives. The focus group discussion was led by a physician and a health services researcher. A brief survey was also utilized in the study.
