Mae. Vanderwaal et al., QUALITY OF CARE - A COMPARISON OF PREFERENCES BETWEEN MEDICAL SPECIALISTS AND PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC DISEASES, Social science & medicine, 42(5), 1996, pp. 643-649
Citations number
16
Categorie Soggetti
Social Sciences, Biomedical","Public, Environmental & Occupation Heath
In this study, we have looked for differences between medical speciali
sts and patients with chronic diseases (COPD, rheumatoid arthritis and
diabetes mellitus)in preferences of aspects of care in relation to th
e quality of care. Firstly, to enumerate relevant aspects for chronic
diseases, open interviews and a concept mapping were conducted among p
atients with a chronic disease, and medical specialists treating them.
Here, the respondents have been asked to evaluate statements in relat
ion to the quality of care. Secondly, a final questionnaire, including
statements on nine relevant aspects of care, was presented to patient
s and medical specialists. The response rate among patients was 96% (N
= 260) and among medical specialists 67% (N = 340). Both study popula
tions ranked 'effectiveness of care' the highest. However, the differe
nce in opinion between the two populations was significant, mainly due
to the patient's giving a higher ranking to 'continuity of care' and
a lower ranking to 'efficiency'. Significant differences were also fou
nd between the three patient groups on the aspects 'knowledge' and 'wa
iting time for treatment'. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis ranked '
knowledge' higher and 'waiting time for treatment' lower than did the
other two patient groups. A lower level of education, having state-reg
ulated health insurance and being older were associated with a higher
preference for 'continuity'. Between the three groups of the medical s
pecialists, no significant differences were found regarding to the pro
fession, age and sex. In conclusion: the patients and medical speciali
sts researched did not show wide differences of opinion on preferences
of care in relation to quality. The only exception to this concerned
'continuity of care' which was ranked higher by patients.