Determination of the relationship between patient satisfaction and some global economic indicators using multidimensional scaling

Abstract

Context: The importance of labor that contributes to the economy and economic power of the country is increasing recently. There is a strong link between health and economy. People are happier, more productive, and provide more contribution to the economy in communities of healthy individuals. In countries with strong economy, serious economic investments are made in the field of health to grow healthy individuals.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to determine whether patient satisfaction in primary healthcare services is related to economic strength of countries.

Materials and Methods: The data of European Patients Evaluate General/Family Practice (EUROPEP) scale from 2011 at 17 Organization for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD) countries are used. The data were compiled from OECD reports and Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health Refik Saydam Hygiene Center Presidency School of Public Health patient satisfaction with primary healthcare services reports.

Statistical Analysis Used: 17 OECD member countries in 2011 health expenditure data, some health indicators, and patient satisfaction are determined to show how grouping in two‑dimensional space with the multidimensional scaling. Results: It was observed to vary by countries and groupings that they located in terms of all three criteria. In some countries’ economic and health indicators, although quite high compared to the OECD average, citizen satisfaction of healthcare services was low. In some countries, although health expenditure and health indicators are far below the OECD average, citizens’ satisfaction with health services has proved to be very high.

Conclusion: Multidimensional scaling analysis findings reveal that countries have different positions and groups in terms of each three indicators. According to these results, it cannot be said that high expenditures in the field of health will affect patients satisfaction. Having a strong economy or spending too much money on health does not increase human satisfaction in health care. Effective expenditures on the field of health will increase healthcare service satisfaction. Policy‑makers should consider international criteria and take the right steps according to citizens’ expectation and satisfaction of healthcare service to implement effective spending.

Keywords: Economic indicators, health care, health expenditure, patient satisfaction, public health