Continuity of care is associated with satisfaction with local health care services
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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Open Access
Continuity of care is associated with satisfaction with local health care services E. Lautamatti1* , M. Sumanen1, R. Raivio2 and K. J. Mattila1
Abstract Background: Satisfaction 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. Methods: The 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. Results: The 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. Conclusions: A 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. Keywords: Primary health care, Population-based, Patient satisfaction, Continuity of care, Depression, Health care services, Questionnaire study, General practice, Finland
Background 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,
* Correspondence: [email protected] 1 Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere and Centre for General Practice of the Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Tampere, Finland Full list of author information is available at the end of the article
and rehabilitation. Higher quality of services results in a higher satisfaction. Health care systems can be assessed from the perspective of the organization, provider, population, or individual
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