Louise A Ellis1,2, Chiara Pomare1, James A Gillespie3, Jo Root4, James Ansell4, Joanna Holt1,2, Leanne Wells4, Yvonne Tran1, Jeffrey Braithwaite1,2, Yvonne Zurynski1,2. 1. Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia. 2. NHMRC Partnership Centre in Health System Sustainability, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia. 3. Menzies Centre for Health Policy, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. 4. Consumers Health Forum of Australia, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The views and experiences of the Australian public are an important barometer of the health system. This study provides key findings about the changing views held by Australians over time regarding their individual experiences and perceptions of the overall performance of the health system. METHODS: A population-based online survey was conducted in 2018 (N = 1024). Participants were recruited through market research panels. The results were compared with previous Australian population survey data sets from 2008 (N = 1146), 2010 (N = 1201) and 2012 (N = 1200), each of which used different population samples. The survey included questions consistent with previous surveys regarding self-reported health status, and questions about use, opinions and experiences of the health system. RESULTS: Overall, there has been a shift in views from 2008 to 2018, with a higher proportion of respondents now viewing the Australian health-care system more positively (X2 (2, N = 4543) = 96.59, P < .001). In 2018, areas for attention continued to include the following: the need for more doctors, nurses and other health workers (29.0%); lower costs for care or Orion medicines (27.8%); more access to care (13.1%); and enhancements in residential aged care (17.3% rated these services as 'bad' or 'very bad'). CONCLUSIONS: This research suggests that Australians' perceptions of their health-care system have significantly improved over the last decade; however, concerns have emerged over access to medicines, inadequate workforce capacity and the quality of aged care facilities. Our study highlights the value of periodically conducting public sentiment surveys to identify potential emerging health system problems.
BACKGROUND: The views and experiences of the Australian public are an important barometer of the health system. This study provides key findings about the changing views held by Australians over time regarding their individual experiences and perceptions of the overall performance of the health system. METHODS: A population-based online survey was conducted in 2018 (N = 1024). Participants were recruited through market research panels. The results were compared with previous Australian population survey data sets from 2008 (N = 1146), 2010 (N = 1201) and 2012 (N = 1200), each of which used different population samples. The survey included questions consistent with previous surveys regarding self-reported health status, and questions about use, opinions and experiences of the health system. RESULTS: Overall, there has been a shift in views from 2008 to 2018, with a higher proportion of respondents now viewing the Australian health-care system more positively (X2 (2, N = 4543) = 96.59, P < .001). In 2018, areas for attention continued to include the following: the need for more doctors, nurses and other health workers (29.0%); lower costs for care or Orion medicines (27.8%); more access to care (13.1%); and enhancements in residential aged care (17.3% rated these services as 'bad' or 'very bad'). CONCLUSIONS: This research suggests that Australians' perceptions of their health-care system have significantly improved over the last decade; however, concerns have emerged over access to medicines, inadequate workforce capacity and the quality of aged care facilities. Our study highlights the value of periodically conducting public sentiment surveys to identify potential emerging health system problems.
Authors: Robin Osborn; David Squires; Michelle M Doty; Dana O Sarnak; Eric C Schneider Journal: Health Aff (Millwood) Date: 2016-11-16 Impact factor: 6.301
Authors: Jeffrey Braithwaite; Russell Mannion; Yukihiro Matsuyama; Paul Shekelle; Stuart Whittaker; Samir Al-Adawi; Kristiana Ludlow; Wendy James; Hsuen P Ting; Jessica Herkes; Louise A Ellis; Kate Churruca; Wendy Nicklin; Clifford Hughes Journal: Int J Qual Health Care Date: 2017-10-01 Impact factor: 2.038
Authors: Louise A Ellis; Chiara Pomare; James A Gillespie; Jo Root; James Ansell; Joanna Holt; Leanne Wells; Yvonne Tran; Jeffrey Braithwaite; Yvonne Zurynski Journal: Health Expect Date: 2020-11-20 Impact factor: 3.377
Authors: Louise A Ellis; Chiara Pomare; James A Gillespie; Jo Root; James Ansell; Joanna Holt; Leanne Wells; Yvonne Tran; Jeffrey Braithwaite; Yvonne Zurynski Journal: Health Expect Date: 2020-11-20 Impact factor: 3.377