The importance of the level of education as a social characteristic of the patient in the formation of his attitude to the organization of outpatient medical care

Abstract

The significance of a patients level of education as a social characteristic in shaping their attitude toward the provision of medical care in outpatient settings has been scientifically supported. This analysis is based on primary data obtained from interviews conducted with 502 patients seeking outpatient medical care in Moscow. The main group consisted of 185 patients with secondary or specialized secondary education, while the control group comprised 273 patients with incomplete higher, higher or multiple higher education. Various approaches have been employed to assess the management system of medical care in patients with different educational backgrounds. The data reveals a correlation between the frequency of patient visits and their evaluation of the medical care system, with distinct trends observed. Patients with lower levels of education, who make more frequent visits to medical facilities, tend to provide more critical assessments of the administrative structures. The data reveals a correlation between the frequency of patient visits and their evaluation of the medical care system, with distinct trends observed. Patients with lower levels of education, who make more frequent visits to medical facilities, tend to provide more critical assessments of the administrative structures. On the contrary, patients with higher levels of education, who also visit medical organizations frequently, tend to hold a more positive view of the administrative structures. Despite both groups assigning similar overall ratings to the medical organizations providing outpatient care, patients with higher education levels tend to file more complaints specifically concerning the organization of certain departments within the polyclinic. These complaints are predominantly related to the functioning of the laboratory service, specialized specialists, and senior management within the polyclinics staff. Consequently, a patients social characteristics significantly influence their behavior and attitude toward the health care system. It should be noted that the list of social characteristics that can impact an individuals behavior and their perception of the healthcare system is extensive.