Patients no longer loyal to just 1 doctor

(JB) More than two thirds of Luxembourg patients who participated in a survey have changed doctors, despite having generally had positive experiences.

According to a survey by Quest Market Research with 500 Luxembourg residents, 72.5 percent of respondents said they voluntary switched GPs and only around a quarter stayed with the same one.

A fifth said that they changed because they felt ill at ease, another fifth because of lengthy delays in order to get an appointment, while 16 percent blamed trust issues and a further 16 percent said they wanted to get a second opinion. 

Positive experiences

The reasons for lack of loyalty to a single doctor come in contrast to a generally positive experience by patients who were polled. The survey showed that more than three quarters of respondents had faced no delays to see their doctor after an appointment had been made.

More than two thirds said they felt their GP was interested in their personal and social welfare. In addition, 86 percent said that the time spent in a consultation with their doctor was good or very good as were the explanations given by their doctor. 

Digital patient records

Luxembourg is currently piloting a project that will see patient records digitalised and therefore accessible across a database. Respondents cited a number of concerns over this change, with just under half fearing a lack of IT security with their personal data.

The majority recognised the advantages of such a system, however, with nearly three quarters suggesting it will improve access to personal information in the event of an emergency or acute situation.

Just under two thirds suggested it would improve communications between Gps and specialists.

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