Austrians are increasingly dissatisfied with their healthcare system. According to a recent survey, nearly 60 percent believe it has actually gotten worse recently. The problems start with getting a doctor’s appointment – for many, Dr. The Internet is already the first point of contact.
According to a recent survey, Austrians’ satisfaction with the health system has fallen compared to before the corona pandemic. Where in May 2019 77 percent were still ‘very satisfied’ or ‘reasonably satisfied’, that is now only 68 percent. In 2019, 21 percent were dissatisfied (“very” or “rather”), in April 2023 this was already 31 percent, according to a survey by the Demox Institute commissioned by the Austrian Health Forum (AHF).
The research results were presented in the run-up to the AHF (motto: “Reform or Revolution”), which takes place this week from Thursday to Saturday in Schladming – and will be discussed there afterwards. 1,000 people aged 16 and older were surveyed (online).
Nearly 60% see deterioration
59 percent of those surveyed stated that the health system in Austria had deteriorated. The reasons given for this are the increasing shortage of doctors (42 percent), followed by waiting times for treatment (34 percent), the ‘care shortage’ (23 percent) and ‘dual medicine’ (22 percent). Only four percent saw the lack of availability of medicines as a reason for dissatisfaction, three percent cited “insufficient corona crisis management”.
The problem starts with appointments
Difficulties are also experienced in “getting an appointment with the right office for health problems”: only 39 percent find it easy to get this appointment, 36 percent find it difficult. Of those who are dissatisfied with the healthcare system, as many as 66 percent report difficulties in this regard. 27 percent have already used personal relationships to get appointments.
According to the survey, 25 percent have additional insurance. Another twelve percent intend to take out additional insurance. 46 percent visited an elective physician in the past six months.
Internet for every tenth first point of contact
The great importance of GPs is reflected in the fact that they are the first point of contact for 72 percent of the respondents (for “unspecified medical problems, a question about health or a question about a family member”). Another nine percent goes directly to specialists, two percent each to outpatient clinics and primary care (PVE). Eleven percent consulted ‘the internet’.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
