The Health Transformation Program Implemented between 2003 -2012 and it’s Effect on Patient Satisfaction in Turkey

Objective: Since 2003, Turkey has carried out a series of reforms to improve the availability of healthcare. This study aims to analyze the effect of health reforms on the satisfaction level of Turkish households. Also, the relationship between satisfaction and socioeconomic characteristics is examined as an indicator of health disparity. Method: The data analysis was conducted to compare cross-sectional data from the 2003 and 2012 Turkish Life Satisfaction Survey. This study addresses the patient satisfaction and problems encountered by patients during the most recent visit to health centers. While overall satisfaction with healthcare and health-related issues were analyzed by statistical tests such as t-test and Chi-Square in terms of public/private distinction, Stereotype Ordered Logistic regression was used to analyze the effect of socioeconomic characteristics on the patient satisfaction. Results: As a result of the Health Transformation Program, ratings of “very satisfied” and “satisfied” with healthcare increased from 39% in 2003 to 76% in 2012. In both years, men, married, and older people were more likely to be satisfied with healthcare. Over the past period of time studied, as a consequence of reforms, complaints about the basic healthcare diminished by approximately 20% to 25% points. Conclusion: During the reforms in Turkey, two important successes have been achieved simultaneously: On the one hand, overall patient satisfaction has been increased; on the other hand, the difference in patient satisfaction between public and private health centers has been reduced. As a result, reforms in the health sector increased access to healthcare and indirectly reduced levels of health disparity.