Care preferences in a Cretan community with integrated hospital/general practice services

Abstract

Addresses the important question of the optimal share and distribution of primary and hospital care, stating that the end‐user consensus is essential. On a classical medical ground with integrated medical services the care seeking patterns and preferences were investigated in a representative sample of the, hence reasonably unbiased, native population. In a small Cretan township hospital combining secondary and primary care, a questionnaire of habits, perceptions and expectations of health services delivery and provision was distributed to a consecutive visitor sample. Overall, primary care was well and realistically appreciated. In six of the 12 conditions, mostly with fever and/or pain, general practitioners were clearly preferred while in three, as a rule organ‐associated, specialists were the first choice. The consumer‐oriented survey brings additional support to the vital role of primary care in the ongoing health systems development.

Citation

Chatziarsenis, M., Makri, E., Sapouna‐Chatziarseni, W., Fioretos, M., Faresjö, T., Trell, E. and Lionis, C. (2001), "Care preferences in a Cretan community with integrated hospital/general practice services", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 14 No. 5, pp. 189-192. https://doi.org/10.1108/EUM0000000005638