Exploring the Relationship of Three Medical Entitlement Beliefs and Psychiatric/Psychological Variables for Acute and Chronic Pain Patients

Objectives The belief in medical care entitlement has recently resulted in major changes in the medical system in the United States. The objectives of this study were the following: to compare endorsement of three medical entitlement beliefs ( I deserve the best medical care no matter what the cost [ BMC ], I am entitled to all of the medical care I want at no charge [ NC ], I shouldn't have to wait to see my doctors [W]) in community nonpatients without pain ( CNPWP ), acute pain patients ( APP s), and chronic pain patients ( CPP s) and to develop predictor models for these beliefs in APP s and CPP s. Design CNPWP , APP s, and CPP s were compared statistically for frequency of endorsement of each belief. All available variables were utilized in logistic regression models to predict each belief in APP s and CPP s. Those affirming/nonaffirming each belief were compared by t ‐test for affirmation of narcissism, dependency, and antisocial practices on three scales from established inventories. Results CPP s were significantly more likely than APP s to endorse BMC . No other comparisons were significant. The logistic regression models identified variables that related to narcissism, anger, doctor dissatisfaction, depression, and anxiety, which entered the models for both APP s and CPP s for some beliefs. Those APP s and CPP s who affirmed the beliefs of NC and W were more likely than their counterparts to affirm antisocial practices, but not narcissism or dependency. Conclusions Patient medical entitlement beliefs may be related to some psychiatric/psychological issues.