What do the Patients Say about the Radiology Private Services, Portugal?

• Published in: Saúde e sociedade 2011-04, Vol.20 (2), p.425-435
• Main Authors: Rodrigues Guerra Silva, Carla Regina, Pereira Rodrigues, Vitor Manuel Costa
• Format: Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Subjects: Attitudes; Client Satisfaction; Communication; Delivery Systems; Health Care Services; Mammography; Patient satisfaction; Patients; Portugal; Quality of Health Care; Radiology; Satisfaction; Service provision
• ISSN: 0104-1290
• DOI: 10.1590/S0104-12902011000200014

Objective: Patients' satisfaction is now one of the most relevant aspects when evaluating the quality of healthcare services. The purpose of this study was to know the users' satisfaction levels in radiology private services. Materials And Methods: Our empirical research followed an exploratory and descriptive approach. It reflects a sample of 213 patients in Vila Real (Portugal). Results: The majority of patients who came to our services had mammographies done; over 50% of the interviewees claimed having had to wait more than a week to get an appointment. The users have expressed their wish to return, to recommend the services to other people, and also mentioned the existence of a few weak points in terms of communication, organization, information and support provided. Conclusion: This study was important because it allowed us to become aware of the users' points of view and also of any possible improvement points in terms of the quality of the service provided. Adapted from the source document.