Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Quality of Health Services Provided by Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Departments in the Opinion of Patients: Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of assistance provided by emergency medical service (EMS) and hospital emergency department (ED) staff in the opinion of patients.

METHODS

Simple random sampling was performed to select the responders. A group of 131 people who correctly completed the questionnaire form was included in the study. The questionnaire was directed only to patients receiving EMS and/or ED assistance during the time period when the pandemic was announced in Poland.

RESULTS

Problems in the ED were reported by 38 people (31.15%), and calling EMS was reported as generating problems by 7 people (16.67%). Dissatisfaction with the help provided in EDs was reported by 33 patients (27.05%), and dissatisfaction with the help by EMS was reported by eight people (19.05%). The assessment of the patient's satisfaction level significantly correlated with the waiting time in the ED (Spearman = 0.217; = 0.016) as well as with the waiting for EMSs (Spearman = 0.403; = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients of the ambulance service and hospital emergency departments during the pandemic positively assessed the actions of medical services, despite significant delays in providing health services.