Reforming the ambulatory care system - Attitudes of patients and staff members

Background and Objectives: The study aimed to examine the attitudes of patients and staff towards the reform the ambulatory healthcare by moving services from the hospital to the community. Methodology: A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire was conducted during 2001 to examine the attitudes of patients and staff. The study took place in eight community clinics and eight hospital-based clinics and units where surgical activity took place. Patients' and staff questionnaires were completed in each clinic, researching procedures that until recently had been performed only in hospitals and were then transferred to community clinics. One procedure was chosen for each clinic. Findings: A total of 1000 patients and 78 staff members were interviewed. Most patients expressed their satisfaction with the treatment location to which they were assigned. Prior acquaintance with the physician treating the patients was a factor associated with the preference of the treatment location. Many patients view the hospital as an institution where complications can be better handled than in the community clinic. There is a difference between the attitudes of patients and staff members in the perception of the weight of certain factors on the choice of treatment location. Conclusion: Certain variables are significant to the patients in their choice of treatment location. There are differences between the attitudes of staff members and patients, emphasizing the importance of studying the attitude of the patients themselves before choosing the location of treatment.