[Patients' satisfaction with the Mobile Emergency Care Unit in Copenhagen]

Patients' satisfaction with physician-staffed ambulances in Copenhagen had not previously been investigated. We therefore conducted a survey of patients' satisfaction with the Mobile Emergency Care Unit (MECU) in Copenhagen.

The period of investigation was from 1 September 2003 to 31 December 2003. Patients with a diagnosis of COPD, asthma or a cardiac disease were eligible for inclusion. Patients were excluded if they had not yet been discharged from hospital, were registered as deceased, were under the age of 18, were without a known address or had previously been included.

During the period of investigation, 282 questionnaires were sent out; 225 were returned, for a response rate of 80%. The patients' mean age was 71 (18-99 years). On the part of 96% of the patients, the general impression of the MECU was very good or good, and 85% felt more confident when being treated by a physician in addition to the regular ambulance crew. The majority (80%) felt that the information given by the physician had been good, and 90% that the conduct of the physician had been satisfactory or better. In 11 questionnaires the patients, in their own words, described dissatisfaction with part of the MECU. In seven cases this concerned the conduct of or the information given by the ambulance crew. Most of the patients and physicians felt that the efforts of the MECU had improved the patient's condition.

We conclude that in general patients are satisfied with the service provided by the MECU. They are aware of, and feel more confident when being treated by, a physician in addition to the regular ambulance crew. Reasons for dissatisfaction were the conduct of and the information given by the physician.