Objective:

The aim of the study is to know the level of patient satisfaction with the care received in a Spanish health center (public, SESCAM) and in a Portuguese health center (Functional Health Unit).

Design:

cross-sectional study.

Location:

Primary Care.

Participants:

Patients who visited the health center consecutively during the months of July (Portugal) and November (Spain) in 2014 (80 and 87 patients, respectively) and 2016 (144 and 174, respectively).

Main measurements:

EUROPEP questionnaire, with 23 items, validated and internationally standardized. Other variables: age, sex, education level. The statistical analysis included a description of the variables and a comparison of answers in both health centers (Mann-Whitney U test).

Results:

In 2014, the mean age was 50.1 in Spain and 56.9 years in Portugal (p=0.011); in 2016 there were no statistically significant differences (NS) by age, with a global average of 49.9 years. In both years there was a slight female predominance in both centers.

In general, Portuguese patients had a more favorable opinion about the care received. The most striking differences (p<0.001) were found, in 2014, for items: the doctor explains sufficiently about their symptoms (97.2 vs 81.7 %), helps to deal with emotions (94.5 vs 74.1 %); and waiting time (74.7 vs 40.0 %). In 2016: the doctor shows interest in their situation (59.9 vs 75.5 %), makes it easier to talk about their problems (59.6 vs 79.0 %), takes great care in addressing their problems (55.9 vs 73.3 %), examines (58.1 vs 81.2 %), provides prevention (50.0 vs 74.5 %), explains sufficiently about their symptoms (58.0 vs 77.2 %), helps to deal with emotions (47.5 vs 71.2 %), knows what has been done during previous visits (52.8 vs 74.8 %), and waiting time (12.9 vs 35.7 %).

With regard to questions assessing some aspects related to professionalism (listening skills, confidentiality, helping to feel well) and administrative aspects (getting an appointment, or contact by telephone) there were NS.

Conclusion:

Portuguese users of Functional Health Unit have shown a higher degree of satisfaction with the care provided compared with those who were attended in the Spanish health center.

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