Expectations of primary care patients in rural Karnataka

摘要

Objective: To study the expectations and satisfaction levels of patients attending a primary care service in a rural area of Karnataka state, India. Methodology: The study was conducted at the clinic of the Community Health Training Centre of St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore. One hundred six successive patients were interviewed on expectations of treatment and charges while they waited for the consultation. They were interviewed a second time on satisfaction with treatment and charges while they were leaving the centre after consultation. Results: Patients were aware of what type of treatment they wanted and most expectations of treatment were met. However, overall levels of satisfaction were not significantly associated with met expectations for treatment, but were dependent on met expectations for charges. Conclusion: Primary Care physicians must always be aware of the socio-economic status of their patients, while prescribing treatment.