Evaluation of Factors Affecting the Use of the Central Physician Appointment System

• Main Authors: Selma Pekgör, Mehmet Ali Eryılmaz, İbrahim Solak, Ahmet Pekgör, Hümeyra Yaka, İbrahim Fuat Kayıhan Kaya, Dilek Korkusuz, Seher Mercan, Koray Bolatkale, Mehmet Koç
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: KARE Publishing 2017-12-01
• Series: Southern Clinics of Istanbul Eurasia
• Subjects: alo 182; hasta memnuniyeti; merkezi hekim randevu sistemi; sıra bekleme.
• Online Access: https://jag.journalagent.com/z4/download_fulltext.asp?pdir=scie&un=SCIE-36855

INTRODUCTION[|]The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of use of the Central Physician Appointment System (CPAS) in a Konya hospital and the factors affecting use.[¤]METHODS[|]A total of 7187 people who were admitted to the outpatient clinics of the hospital and had completed an examination between January 20 and February 28, 2017 were included in the study. Face-to-face interviews were performed with the patients.[¤]RESULTS[|]Of all the patients, 49.9% made their appointment via CPAS, and 47.4% made an appointment from a kiosk. CPAS usage was higher among white-collar workers than tradesmen, laborers, housewives, or retirees (p<0.001). As education level and monthly income level increased, the use of CPAS also increased (p<0.001). CPAS was also used more by those who lived in the center of Konya than by those who lived in surrounding rural areas (p<0.001). The patient satisfaction rate was 89.4%.[¤]DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION[|]In order to increase the use of CPAS, new strategies should be developed targeting residents of rural areas and those of lower socioeconomic status. Existing public service announcements and promotional leaflets should also be disseminated.[¤]