Evaluation of Patients' Satisfaction and Quality of Life in Selected Healthcare Institutions in Southern-Eastern Poland

Abstract

Abstract Introduction. In recent times, patient outcome measurement has developed from being narrowly focussed upon levels of symptomatology and service use, to being a broader assessment of the impact of illness and treatment on the individual. Thus, it can be said that quality of life has become as significant as life expectance. This has brought about a transition in the assessment of treatment. Quality of life (QOL) is a multidimensional concept that usually includes subjective evaluations of both positive and negative aspects of life as it is being led. With regard to healthcare, a cross-sectional comparison of palliative care needs is crucial in understanding differences in the patients' quality of life. Hence, an analysis of programme implementation within different types of healthcare institutions is significant in evaluating current medical care standards. Our study analyzed the satisfaction level and quality of life of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and after myocardial infarction (MI). Different types of healthcare institutions were evaluated. Aim. To evaluate patients' satisfaction and quality of life in selected healthcare institutions in southern-eastern Poland. Material and methods. The quality of life of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) was analyzed through the medical documentation obtained from different types of healthcare institutions. Among these are the pulmonary outpatient department in Moczary, as well as a GP Practice and a Nursing Home in this location. The quality of life of patients after myocardial infraction was analyzed through a survey study conducted at “Polonia” hospital spa in Rymanów Zdrój (the cardiology department). Results and conclusions. The post-myocardial infarction incident patients had began to care more about their health condition and the quality of life they led. Moreover, their satisfaction level from received treatment and medical care indicated that the cardiological services implemented in southern-eastern Poland has proceeded in a good direction. Of note, these patients were systematically under specialist control. In contrast, among patients with COPD, only those under everyday care in the Nursing Home in Moczary received a similar systematic treatment, thus, COPD patients in Moczary lead a poor quality of life. This indicates a need to re-evaluate the current programmes and services provided by health care institutions in this region.