Florian Tille1, Julia Röttger2, Bernhard Gibis3, Reinhard Busse2, Adelheid Kuhlmey4, Susanne Schnitzer4. 1. Charité Berlin University of Medicine (Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin), Department of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Berlin, Germany; National Asssociation of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians of Germany (Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung), Berlin, Germany. Electronic address: florian.tille@charite.de. 2. Technical University of Berlin (Technische Universität Berlin), Berlin Centre for Health Economics Research and Department of Health Care Management, Berlin, Germany. 3. National Asssociation of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians of Germany (Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung), Berlin, Germany. 4. Charité Berlin University of Medicine (Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin), Department of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Berlin, Germany.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To identify overall levels of health system responsiveness and the associations with social determinants for ambulatory health care in Germany from a user perspective. METHODS: This analysis drew on a 2016 health survey sample of 6113 adults in Germany. Responsiveness was measured for general practitioners (GPs) and specialists (SPs) along the domains trust, dignity, confidentiality, autonomy and communication. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression techniques were applied. RESULTS: Over 90% of all patients assessed their last GP and SP visit as good regarding trust, dignity, autonomy and communication, but only half for confidentiality in the doctor office (GP visits: 50.3%; SP visits: 52.4%). For GP visits, patients' young age of 18-34 years showed most associations with poor assessment of the domains, for SP visits a current health problem as the reason for the last consultation. CONCLUSION: While overall responsiveness levels for ambulatory care are high, ratings of confidentiality are distressing. Particularly patients' young age and bad health are associated with a poor assessment of responsiveness. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Measures to improve doctor office infrastructure and to enhance responsiveness towards patients under the age of 35 years and those with health problems are vital to increase responsiveness.
OBJECTIVE: To identify overall levels of health system responsiveness and the associations with social determinants for ambulatory health care in Germany from a user perspective. METHODS: This analysis drew on a 2016 health survey sample of 6113 adults in Germany. Responsiveness was measured for general practitioners (GPs) and specialists (SPs) along the domains trust, dignity, confidentiality, autonomy and communication. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression techniques were applied. RESULTS: Over 90% of all patients assessed their last GP and SP visit as good regarding trust, dignity, autonomy and communication, but only half for confidentiality in the doctor office (GP visits: 50.3%; SP visits: 52.4%). For GP visits, patients' young age of 18-34 years showed most associations with poor assessment of the domains, for SP visits a current health problem as the reason for the last consultation. CONCLUSION: While overall responsiveness levels for ambulatory care are high, ratings of confidentiality are distressing. Particularly patients' young age and bad health are associated with a poor assessment of responsiveness. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Measures to improve doctor office infrastructure and to enhance responsiveness towards patients under the age of 35 years and those with health problems are vital to increase responsiveness.
Keywords:
Ambulatory care; General practitioners; Germany; Health equity; Health survey; Health system responsiveness; Social determinants; Specialists
Authors: Valle Coronado-Vázquez; Dolores Museros-Sos; Bárbara Oliván-Blázquez; Rosa Magallón-Botaya; Juan Gómez-Salgado; María Antonia Sánchez-Calavera; Bárbara Masluk; María Josefa Gil-de-Gómez; Eva Rodríguez-Eguizábal Journal: Healthcare (Basel) Date: 2020-07-27
Authors: Renan Felinto de Farias Aires; Camila Cristina Rodrigues Salgado Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-09-13 Impact factor: 4.614