The association between satisfaction with services provided in primary care and outcomes in Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background Patient satisfaction is of increasing importance, is taken into account when planning services, and is used by healthcare providers as a measure of healthcare quality. Satisfaction with medical care, including diabetic care, has been associated with various health-related behaviours and outcomes that have a direct bearing on health and illness. The association between satisfaction and health outcomes is poorly understood. Aim The aim of the study was to determine whether there is an association between satisfaction in patients with Type 2 diabetes and the outcome of their diabetic care, and to determine the contribution of different aspects of satisfaction with the primary care. Methods Patients with Type 2 diabetes were identified from two general practices in Leeds. Patients scores on the General Practice Assessment Survey Questionnaire (GPAS) were correlated with the outcome of care, as measured by HbA(1c) level collected from patients' medical records. Results Data from 106 patients were analysed. There was a generally high satisfaction rate for all GPAS domains. The correlation between different GPAS domains and HbA(1c) level showed significant positive correlations (P<0.001) for continuity of care, trust and overall satisfaction; and positive correlations (P<0.01) for access, receptionists, interpersonal care, communication skills, knowledge of patient about the doctor, technical care, and practice nursing. Conclusion The findings from this study demonstrate that there is an association between satisfaction and outcome in diabetes, which goes across all the GPAS domains. This suggests that processes that can act to increase patient satisfaction may be contributing to improved clinical outcomes. More development work is needed in this field to explore and elucidate the complex relationship between satisfaction and clinical outcomes.