Assessment of population satisfaction with the quality of general medical practice in the subject of the Russian Federation: pilot investigation

Abstract

Introduction. Patient satisfaction is one of the most important indicators of the quality of the health care noted in the priority objectives of state policy this area. 
 The aim of the study was to assess satisfaction with the quality of medical care provided by a general practitioner (GP), using the example of the activities of the Stupino Regional Clinical Hospital of the Moscow Region. 
 Materials and methods. The international EUROPEP questionnaire was used. Statistical processing of the study materials was performed using Statistica 10 and SAS JMP 11.
 Results. Respondents highly evaluated the provision of medical care 17,87 ± 3,05 (17,04; 18,70, p = 0,05). High scores were obtained for the block «accessibility» of medical services, amounting to 21.76 ± 2.53 
 (21.07; 22.45, p = 0.05). Strong positive relationships «patient-GP» interactions (r = 0.9; p < 0.0001), joint decision making, and establishing trusting relationships (r = 0.73; p < 0.0001) were found. The level of trust relationship between patients and GPs was 18.94 ± 4.37 (17.75; 20.14, p = 0.05) and rated high. Problem areas were identified for individual issues in the management of medical care and recommendations for their adjustment were developed.
 Limitations. The research is limited due to a small sample due to the testing of the EUROPEP questionnaire and its adaptation for the Russian health care system. 
 Conclusion. On the example of EUROPEP questionnaire on the base of the the Stupino regional clinical hospital of Moscow region there were obtained high estimates of satisfaction with the quality of medical care, provided by GPs/FDs. The revealed problems in achieving the expected medical results refer to the making of joint decisions and are limited by the interpretation of confidentiality in GP-patient interaction. The applied survey procedure confirms the necessity of wide implementation of the adapted EUROPEP questionnaire in the management of the quality of medical care and for taking corrective measures at the regional level