20.12.2018
State of the healthcare sector in Rivne Region: December 2018
- According to the results of a survey conducted by the Rating Group at least two thirds of respondents (64%) are dissatisfied with state medical services over the past five years. At the same time, 23% report being satisfied with state healthcare services. Over the past year, no significant changes have occurred in the assessments of public healthcare. Overall, the level of satisfaction with public medical services is somewhat higher among those who visit doctors more frequently.
- Only 15% of respondents believe that over the past two years the overall quality of state medical services in the region has improved, while 14% noted an improvement in the quality of medical services they personally received. Compared to the previous year, the share of respondents who did not observe any changes at all increased (from 41% to 47%). At the same time, on a personal level, respondents more often reported a deterioration in assessments of state medical services (from 26% to 32%). Urban residents are more inclined to notice positive changes compared to rural residents. The frequency of visits to doctors also affects evaluations of services: the more often respondents seek medical care, the better they assess the work of healthcare professionals.
- Over the year, there has been a slight decrease in the share of respondents who positively assess the work of state medical institutions. Currently, 38% of respondents assess the quality of services positively, while 46% assess it negatively. Rural residents, those who visit doctors more frequently, and respondents with children under the age of 18 give higher evaluations of the work of these institutions.
- At the same time, nearly half of respondents were unable to assess the quality of medical care in private healthcare facilities at all. Forty percent assess it positively, while 13% assess it negatively. Younger respondents, more affluent individuals, urban residents, and those who visit doctors more frequently are more inclined to evaluate private healthcare positively.
- Forty-six percent of respondents stated that they had witnessed reconstruction or renovation of hospitals over the past two years, while 32% reported the opposite. Compared to the previous year, the share of those who noticed positive changes increased from 35% to 46%. Urban residents and those who visited doctors more frequently were significantly more likely to mention renovations of hospital premises.
- Over the past year, one quarter of respondents reported changes in the quality of medical services received, while 45% stated that the quality had not changed. When assessing various quality criteria of medical services, 44% reported improvements in the conditions under which medical care is provided, 38% said conditions had not changed, and 12% indicated deterioration. Attitudes toward patients, professionalism and competence of doctors, and effectiveness of treatment improved in the opinion of 34–39% of respondents, while 43–44% believe these criteria have not changed and 15–17% reported deterioration.
- Half of respondents noticed changes in the cost of medical services, while 21% believe costs have not changed. According to the evaluation of specific criteria, more than 70% believe that the cost of medical services involving specialized equipment and consultations has worsened. Almost 90% reported a deterioration in prices for medications prescribed by doctors.
- For 11% of respondents, territorial and time accessibility to medical institutions has changed, while 65% did not notice such changes. Urban residents and those who visit doctors more frequently were more likely to report changes. More than half of respondents noticed improvements in the ability to choose a doctor, while 27% indicated no changes and 13% noted deterioration. Nearly 40% positively assessed changes in the territorial convenience of medical facilities, one third noticed no changes, and one quarter believe accessibility has worsened. At the same time, more than 40% did not notice changes in the possibility of scheduling appointments in advance, waiting times, or doctors’ working schedules. Nearly one third positively assessed these changes, while 14–18% assessed them negatively.
- Only 6% of respondents are well informed about the changes proposed by the healthcare reform. Forty-two percent stated that they had heard something about it, 29% know very little, and 21% know nothing about the essence of the reform. Awareness is higher among urban residents and individuals with higher education.
- Thirty-five percent of respondents stated that they support the implementation of healthcare reform in Ukraine, while 43% expressed the opposite opinion. Twenty-two percent were unable to provide any assessment. Support for the reform is higher among young people, rural residents, and those who are aware of its implementation.
- At the same time, only 17% are confident that the healthcare system will improve as a result of the reform over the next two years. Twenty-eight percent believe the situation will worsen, while 38% believe it will remain unchanged. Compared to the previous year, the number of those who optimistically assess short-term prospects has decreased. Respondents aged 50 and older are the most pessimistic. In the long-term perspective (5–10 years), respondents assess the situation more optimistically: 52% believe it will improve, 13% believe it will worsen, 14% believe it will not change, and 20% were unable to answer. As before, young people, individuals with higher education, and rural residents are the most optimistic.
- Thirty-one percent of respondents consult a doctor or medical specialist regarding their health condition or recommendations less than once a year, 21–22% do so once a year or every six months, 15% at least once every three months, and only 11% use such services monthly.
- The vast majority of respondents (75%) know who their family doctor or therapist is, compared to 58% in 2017. Awareness is higher among women, rural residents, and those who use medical services more frequently. Nearly 70% of all respondents fully or partially trust their family doctor, compared to 53% in 2017. Among those who know their family doctor, 90% trust them.
- Eighty-two percent of respondents trust medical recommendations from healthcare workers, 68% trust relatives and acquaintances, and 67% trust pharmacists. Trust in medical information from the Internet, television, print media, and radio is significantly lower. Eleven percent trust information from folk healers, particularly among older respondents. Young people are more inclined to trust information from relatives and the Internet.
- When choosing a healthcare facility, 50% primarily consider the professionalism and experience of doctors, 42% consider trust in doctors at that institution, 23% consider the attitude of staff toward patients, 20% consider access to preferential services, and 16% consider availability of modern equipment. Comfort and speed of service are less important. Rural residents, younger and middle-aged individuals, and wealthier respondents prioritize professionalism more often. Urban residents and youth value attitude and equipment, while older and less affluent respondents emphasize trust.
- Sixty-four percent receive medical information from doctors, 40% from friends and family, 29% from pharmacists, 19% from the Internet, and 16% from television. Smaller shares rely on radio, magazines, folk healers, or religious leaders.
- Sixteen percent measure blood pressure daily, 28% several times a month, while others do so less frequently. One third of respondents have never experienced blood pressure problems, while others report varying frequency. Problems are more common among women and older individuals and among those experiencing higher stress.
- Ten percent measure body weight daily, while younger people and women do so more frequently. Forty percent undergo electrocardiograms less than once a year, while those with health issues do so more often. Nearly half check blood sugar less than once a year, and over half check cholesterol less than once a year.
- Half of respondents reported normal blood pressure at last measurement, while one third reported elevated levels. Most reported normal weight and normal blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- Nearly half have never sought medical care related to cardiovascular diseases. Those who did are more often urban residents, women, and older individuals.
- Thirty percent believe there are enough cardiovascular treatment facilities in their locality, while half believe there are not. Rural residents are more critical.
- As in the previous year, the majority of respondents (81%) know nothing about Rivne region’s participation in the World Bank and Ministry of Health project “Improving Health Care at the Service of People.” Nevertheless, 76% believe its implementation is important. Among those aware of the project, over 90% consider it very important. More than half believe the project will improve the cardiovascular health situation in the region.
Methodology
- Audience: residents of Rivne region aged 18 and older. The sample if representative in terms of age, gender, and settlement type.
- Total sample: 800 respondents.
- Personal formalized interview (face-to-face).
- The margin of error does not exceed 3.5%.
- Fieldwork dates: November, 29 – December, 11, 2018
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