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Patient’s evaluations and expectations of family medicine in Israel – revisited after two decades
Researchers: Ruth Goldstein1, Anat Gaver1,2, Niva Azuz Lieberman3
- Rabin Medical Center
- Tel-Aviv University
- Ministry of Health
Background: The EUROPEP study was published in 1999 by the European Society for Family Medicine Quality and Safety. Approximately 1,500 Israeli patients participated in it.
Their satisfaction from their family physicians was rated according to an internationally-validated questionnaire.
Considering the changes that took place since then in the Israeli healthcare system in general and specifically in community-level clinics, it is important to reevaluate patients' satisfaction from their family physicians and clinics.
Their satisfaction from their family physicians was rated according to an internationally-validated questionnaire.
Considering the changes that took place since then in the Israeli healthcare system in general and specifically in community-level clinics, it is important to reevaluate patients' satisfaction from their family physicians and clinics.
Objectives: To evaluate patients' satisfaction from their family physicians and compare the results to the 1999's survey.
Method: A survey based on the EUROPEP questionnaire was conducted among 1,617 people representing the general population in Israel.
Data collection was conducted by an internet panel for the Jewish population and a phone questionnaire for the Arab population.
Data collection was conducted by an internet panel for the Jewish population and a phone questionnaire for the Arab population.
Findings: The survey's results show a significant reduction in Israelis' satisfaction from various characteristics of primary healthcare in almost all examined fields, with no significant difference between the various Health Funds (Kupot Holim). Of particular significance is the fact that patients' sensation that they are being supported by their doctor when dealing with health-related emotional problems, has dramatically deteriorated.
Conclusions and Recommendations: As primary healthcare services function as a gateway and the basis for the entire healthcare system, this research strongly suggests that policy makers map the reasons for this significant reduction in patient's satisfaction.
Since various studies have shown an increased burnout rate of primary physicians, accounting for this burnout, reduction of burnout-inducing activities and the creation of a team-work environment, may contribute to the feeling of purpose and job satisfaction, which in turn, can improve the quality of care and patients' satisfaction. Additionally it may be advisable to increase the number of family medicine specialists, whose training includes handling the biopsychosocial aspects of illness.
Since various studies have shown an increased burnout rate of primary physicians, accounting for this burnout, reduction of burnout-inducing activities and the creation of a team-work environment, may contribute to the feeling of purpose and job satisfaction, which in turn, can improve the quality of care and patients' satisfaction. Additionally it may be advisable to increase the number of family medicine specialists, whose training includes handling the biopsychosocial aspects of illness.
Research number: R/87/2015
Research end date: 06/2018