Abstract
BackgroundSatisfaction is a major element in assessing quality of care. It has decreased in Finland in recent decades as well as continuity of care. We investigated which demographic, health-related, and local health care service factors, especially continuity of care, are associated with the population’s satisfaction with local health care services.MethodsThe data are part of the Health and Social Support (HeSSup) study’s follow-up questionnaire in 2012. The study is based on a random Finnish population sample. Satisfaction was studied based on the question “How satisfied are you with your local health care services?” Demographic factors, obesity, self-assessed health status, depressive mood (BDI-12 questionnaire), New York Heart Association class, and chronic diseases were asked in the questionnaire. Questions describing local health care services were also presented. We assessed the association of an assigned and named GP and the respondents’ proactivity in contacting the same doctor with satisfaction. We used crosstabulation and binary logistic regression in the analyses.ResultsThe Health and Social Support study was answered in 2012 by 15,993 participants (45.4%) and majority (61.3%) was satisfied with their local health care services. An assigned and named GP (OR 1.79; 95% CI 1.67–1.92) and the respondent’s proactivity in contacting the same doctor (OR 1.23; 95% CI 1.15–1.32) were associated with satisfaction in the adjusted multivariate analysis. BDI score < 19 had the strongest association with satisfaction (OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.65–2.23). Older participants, males, and those in a relationship were more likely to be satisfied.ConclusionsA named GP in primary care proved to have a positive correlation with patient satisfaction. Depression was associated with decreased satisfaction. A named GP indicates continuity of care, and it should be seriously considered when planning treatment for patients with chronic conditions.
Highlights
Satisfaction is a major element in assessing quality of care
Our guiding research question was the following: Is the populations’ satisfaction with local health care associated with demographic, health status, and/or local service characteristics? Our objective is to study which independent factors are associated with the dependent factor
The group with a Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) score < 19 had 15.4 more percentage points of satisfied respondents compared to the scoring ≥19
Summary
Satisfaction is a major element in assessing quality of care It has decreased in Finland in recent decades as well as continuity of care. Satisfaction with health care services influences the population’s wellbeing, and measuring satisfaction is one way of gauging the quality of services. The aim of the health care system is to produce services that prevent illnesses and enhance wellbeing, treatment, Health care systems can be assessed from the perspective of the organization, provider, population, or individual patient. The reputation and public opinion of health care services influence opinion as well, Lautamatti et al BMC Family Practice (2020) 21:181 and the population’s opinion is an important factor when improving health care services. In health care systems like the one found in Finland, the population’s satisfaction with services reflects the municipalities’ capability to provide and organize the service needed and meet the citizens’ expectations
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