Development of a Measure of Physician Engagement in Addressing Racial and Ethnic Health Care Disparities

OBJECTIVE: To develop a measure of physician engagement in addressing health care disparities. DATA SOURCES/STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of a national sample of physicians assessing each hypothesized component of engagement (Awareness, Reflection/Empowerment, and Action [AREA]). DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: Results examined using factorial analysis; predictive validity of final scale examined among highly engaged physicians. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A nine-item scale derived from the AREA model has face validity, content validity, and applicability to a diverse group of physicians in measuring engagement. Partial correlations confirmed the mediating role of Reflection and/or Empowerment between Awareness and Action. Use of the scale among expert physicians suggests it reliably detects highly engaged physicians. CONCLUSIONS: A nine-item survey can measure physician engagement in addressing health care disparities.