As healthcare systems worldwide grapple with the complexities of chronic diseases, aging populations, and the imperative for patient-centered care, the OECD’s recent Patient-Reported Indicator Surveys (PaRIS) offer a timely lens into the experiences of patients aged 45 and above across 19 countries.
The OECD’s PaRIS survey provides valuable insights into the current state of primary healthcare from the patient’s perspective. It underscores the necessity for healthcare systems to evolve towards more patient-centered models, emphasizing trust-building, addressing gender disparities, embracing digital health, and supporting chronic disease management. By aligning healthcare delivery with the needs and experiences of patients, we can work towards a more responsive and effective healthcare system.
With over 107,000 participants and 1,800 primary care practices involved, the survey sheds light on the strengths and areas for improvement in primary healthcare delivery.
Understanding the Chronic Condition Landscape
A significant finding from the PaRIS survey is that 82% of primary care users live with at least one chronic condition, 52% with two or more, and 27% with three or more. These conditions, including hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, are prevalent and require ongoing management. The survey highlights that as the number of chronic conditions increases, patients’ well-being scores, measured by the WHO-5 scale, decrease notably. This underscores the need for healthcare systems to adapt and provide comprehensive support for individuals managing multiple chronic illnesses.
The Trust Factor in Healthcare
Trust in the healthcare system is pivotal for effective care delivery. The survey reveals that only 64% of patients who felt their primary care professional spent enough time with them expressed trust in the healthcare system, compared to 34% among those who felt rushed during consultations. Additionally, patients who experienced negative events, such as delayed diagnoses or treatment errors, were less likely to trust the system (45%) compared to those without such experiences (70%). These findings suggest that patient-provider interactions and the quality of care significantly influence trust levels.
Gender Disparities in Health Outcomes
The PaRIS survey highlights notable gender differences in health outcomes. While women tend to live longer than men, they report lower levels of physical and mental health. Specifically, 74% of men reported good physical health compared to 65% of women, and 86% of men reported good mental health versus 81% of women. These disparities point to the need for gender-sensitive approaches in healthcare planning and delivery to ensure equitable health outcomes.
Digital Health: Untapped Potential
Despite advancements in digital health technologies, their adoption remains limited. Only 7% of patients reported using video consultations, and 17% accessed their medical records online. Furthermore, only 43% of patients with lower education levels found their primary care provider’s website easy to use. These statistics indicate a digital divide that healthcare systems must address to ensure equitable access to digital health resources.
Moving Towards People-Centered Care
The survey emphasizes the importance of tailoring healthcare to individual needs. Patients who received strong self-management support from their primary care providers were 14 percentage points more confident in managing their health. However, only a quarter of patients reported having a care plan prepared by their health professional. This gap highlights the need for healthcare systems to prioritize personalized care planning and patient engagement.
