Impact of Work Conditions and Minority Patient Populations on Quality and Errors

Objectives: To determine whether workplace conditions affect care quality and errors, especially in primary care clinics serving minority patients. Methods: We conducted a 3-year assessment of work conditions and patient outcomes in 73 primary care clinics in the upper Midwest and New York City. Study participants included 287 physicians and 1204 patients with hypertension and/or diabetes. Chart audit data were contrasted between clinics with ≥30% minority patients (minority-serving clinics, or MSCs) and those with