Evaluation of the quality of ophthalmic health care according to the perception of usersObjective To evaluate and characterize the quality of ophthalmic care offered in an outpatient service unit of the SUS secondary care according to the perception of users and/or those responsible for these users.
Methods A cross-sectional study of analytical prevalence was carried out among users assisted from September 2019 to March 2020, in one of the six ophthalmic care services offered by the SUS, in the municipality of Vitória da Conquista (BA), Brazil. Demographic and socioeconomic conditions, as well as self-perception of health, were evaluated. The characteristics and quality levels of ophthalmic health care were also evaluated. Data collection took place through a telephone interview.
Results A total of 389 users and/or guardians participated in the study. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction, considering the questions that make up the instrument’s construct. Compromised quality levels were observed in relation to the freedom to choose their eye care provider (n=154; 39.7%). Lower levels of satisfaction were associated with the variables male gender (OR=1.66; 95%CI=1.04-2.65; p=0.033) and self-reported white race (OR=6.89; 95%CI=4, 00-11.86; p=0.000).
Conclusion Users reported good levels of satisfaction with eye health care. There were greater chances of lower levels of satisfaction among men and among those with a self-reported white race.
Health care evaluation mechanisms; Eye health services; Quality of health care; Health services accessibility; Ophthalmology