Surveys into the medical needs of outpatients / 中华医院管理杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To improve outpatient medical care. Methods A sample survey was conducted into 1716 outpatients during 6 days in October of 2004 using questionnaires that covered such items as the patients' choice of hospitals, their choice of doctors, their medical needs and their needs for continuous services. Results The medical needs of the patients, regardless of gender, age, and form of payment (personal payment, medical insurance or treatment at public expenses), are, in terms of urgency, disease relief, safety, respect, service, and the right to be informed. Ranking first in the needs for continuous medical services is medical appointments, with telephone follow-ups coming next. Conclusion Outpatients have diversified medical needs and hospitals ought to attach importance to relieving patients from disease, ensuring medical safety, respecting patients, improving services, bettering continuous medical services, and satisfying the needs of patients at different levels.