[Continued development of public health in public opinion: results of a representative population survey in Munich, Dresden, Vienna and Bern].

OBJECTIVES

The presented study deals with the citizen's view on the development of health care systems. It aims to generate research hypotheses as basis for further studies.

METHODS

During February through March 2000 computer-assisted telephone surveys were conducted in Munich, Dresden, Berne and Vienna. Respondents were asked for desired changes in the health care system, among others. 502 interviews were completed. The response rate from target person contacts was 43% to 60%.

RESULTS

Improvements were desired most frequently for the domains interaction between therapist and patient, systems organisation and finances. Regional differences in the relative importance of these areas were found, gender specific differences were less prominent. Differences between Dresden and Munich point to persistent disparities within Germany.

CONCLUSIONS

The identification of systems-related determinants or deficits bears opportunities for a citizen-centered, humane development of health care systems.