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

M. Chatziarsenis, E. Makri, W. Sapouna-Chatziarseni, M. Fioretos, T. Faresjo, E. Trell, C. Lionis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)189-192
Number of pages4
JournalInternational Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance
Volume14
Issue number5
Publication statusPublished - 2001

Keywords

  • Community relations
  • Greece
  • Health care
  • Prevention costs
  • Quality assurance

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