Objective of the study: To assess the opinion of Lithuanian adult population about accessibility and quality of primary health care services.
Material and methods: The study was conducted in 2001. A national random sample of 5000 Lithuanians aged 18 years and older has been taken out of the National Population Register. The questionnaires were filled in by 3514 persons (response rate--71.6%).
Results: Sixty-six percent of respondents reported that they have received health care at an outpatient health facility in the last 12 months. Women visited a doctor more frequently than men did; older inhabitants more frequently than younger ones. Fifty-eight percent of respondents reported they had no problem to get a health care provider they were happy with, 16.5% had a mild problem and 10.1%--severe or extreme problem. Fifty-four percent of respondents noted that they had no problem to use other health services than they usually went to, while 15.6% reported--it was a severe or extreme problem. The majority of respondents (59.5%) answered that they always got care as soon as they wanted. Patient opinion about quality of primary health care services depended on how well doctors, nurses or other health care providers communicated with them, i.e. whether patients were treated with respect and dignity, whether they were listened carefully, whether they were explained things understandably etc. Seventy-three percent of respondents reported that health care providers communicated with them well or very well. Older respondents assessed the communication with doctors better than younger did.
Conclusion: The data of regular questioning of population could be used for the successful health care reform implementation.