Citizen Preferences for Primary Health Care reform in Greece

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Public Health Policy
• Healthcare Reform Analysis

Background:

• The Greek National Health System is undergoing reforms to strengthen Primary Health Care (PHC).
• Understanding citizen preferences and views on healthcare reform is crucial for effective planning.
• Limited data exists on citizen perspectives regarding PHC reform in Greece.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map citizen preferences for healthcare reform within the primary care sector in Greece.
• To identify key elements citizens deem essential for structural reform of the healthcare system.
• To profile demographic characteristics of citizens favoring PHC reform.

Main Methods:

• Two cross-sectional telephone surveys were conducted with large, representative samples of Greek citizens (N=1,002 in March 2017, N=1,001 in October 2017).
• Random multistage selection with quotas for municipality, sex, and age ensured sample representativeness.
• Data collected included satisfaction with the current system, reform preferences, access barriers, and healthcare utilization, analyzed using logistic regression.

Main Results:

• A strong majority (over 85%) considered structural reform "very" or "extremely necessary".
• The introduction of family physicians was the most requested reform (around 49%).
• Older citizens were significantly more likely to favor family physicians, while males were less likely.

Conclusions:

• There is a clear and growing demand for structural reform of the Greek healthcare system, with a focus on strengthening PHC.
• Older and female citizens show greater support for PHC reform.
• Integrating the private sector, enhancing public services, and public awareness are key for a high-quality PHC system.