A Comparison of Waiting Times, Patient Choice and Satisfaction in Three Primary Care Settings

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the interaction between patients' choice of care, their satisfaction with that care, and waiting time. Patient satisfaction and waiting times were recorded in three primary care settings in Sydney. The results show that patients in Australian primary care services do not like to wait, and those for whom waiting time is a determinant of choice are easier to satisfy than those for whom it is not, irrespective of the wait. Primary care services may be made be made more satisfying for consumers if consumers are better engaged in choosing their health care.