A Survey on the Patient's Perspective in Chronic Care: Discussion of the "Austrian Patients Report"

Aim: The provision of adequate care for patients with chronic conditions necessitates the knowledge of their perspectives and opinions in order to plan and deliver health services appropriately. The aim of the initiative "Austrian Patients Report" is to collect information on the expectations and requirements of Austrian chronic care patients towards the Austrian health-care system and its actors. Method: The basis of the "Austrian Patients Report" is an anonymous, structured paper and pencil questionnaire which is adapted to the specific requirements of the chronic condition with the help of patient focus groups. The questionnaire is distributed to the patients via self-help groups, doctor's offices and outpatient centres. Results: The results clearly indicate that patients expect not only the provision of medical and medicinal care from their doctors, they also value a comprehensive consultation with their doctors, information on different treatment options and a good cooperation between specialists and primary care doctors as highly important. Another important aspect is the respect and understanding of the society concerning the problems which arise from living with a chronic condition. Conclusion: The "Austrian Patients Report" provides an opportunity to look at aspects of health-care provision from the patient's perspective. The standardisation of the method makes comparisons between patient groups with different chronic conditions possible. This in turn, gives insights into those areas of service provision where improvements need to be made and what is especially important from the patient's view.