Article

OBJECTIVE: To check whether the use of an autoquestionnaire is adapted to obtain
information about perceptions of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients concerning
access to healthcare in the Pays de la Loire region of France. Patients with MS were asked to complete a questionnaire concerning
access to 31 healthcare professionals or social services. The questionnaires were
anonymous and consisted of one page for the patient and one page for a member of
his or her entourage. The questionnaires were returned in a prepaid stamped
addressed envelope. The first 130 exploitable questionnaires were analysed.
RESULTS: Over 50% of patients with MS found access to general practitioners,
neurologists, nurses and pharmacists useful, as well as access to less
MS-specific specialists, for example, dentists, ophthalmologists or
gynaecologists. Physical medicine and rehabilitation practitioners were not
required until later in the course of the disease. Patients and their entourage
rated the importance of access to care differently for bladder and sexual
problems, and for support for cognitive and psychological problems. CONCLUSION:
This study validates the use of a questionnaire to obtain information about
patient perceptions of access to healthcare. The study also suggests a hierarchy
of care needs, insufficient patient information, and disparities in access to
care related to where the patients live.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS