Residents of the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro have expressed generally favorable views of the Unified Health System (SUS), highlighting both strengths and areas needing improvement. A recent study involving 200 participants sheds light on how users perceive access and quality within the public health framework.
User Satisfaction on Access and Quality
Frequent users of SUS reported high satisfaction levels, with many rating access and overall service quality as very good or good. The study, conducted between January and August 2024, utilized a comprehensive 66-item survey to gauge various aspects of the healthcare experience, including appointment scheduling and medication acquisition.
Identified Challenges in Public Health Services
Despite positive feedback, participants highlighted significant challenges that need addressing. Nearly half of the respondents pointed to inadequate infrastructure, while over 30% emphasized the need for better-qualified healthcare professionals. Additionally, access to medicines remained a concern for a notable portion of the population.
- Nearly half of respondents cited poor infrastructure as a major issue.
- Over 30% called for enhanced professional qualifications among healthcare workers.
- Access to medications remains problematic for approximately 17% of users.
- Lower socioeconomic groups tend to view access more favorably, indicating possible disparities in service perception.
The study also revealed gaps in patient education and pharmacist engagement. Almost half of the participants never received information on proper medicine storage, and a significant number reported rarely interacting with pharmacists in public pharmacies.
A universal health system like SUS faces the ongoing challenge of catering to diverse regional needs. Continuous assessment of user perceptions is crucial for integrating patient feedback into health policy and service improvement strategies. Engaging users in decision-making processes can lead to more tailored and effective healthcare solutions.
Enhancing infrastructure, investing in professional development, and improving access to medications are essential steps towards strengthening SUS. Additionally, increasing patient education and pharmacist involvement can significantly improve the overall healthcare experience for residents. By addressing these specific areas, the public health system can better meet the needs of Rio de Janeiro’s diverse population, ensuring equitable and high-quality care for all.
This article has been prepared with the assistance of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author.
