[Correlation between consultation time and patient´s satisfaction in primary care].

Abstract

Background: It is important to understand how consultation time relates to patient satisfaction, as these two variables have not been extensively studied together.

Objective: To determine the correlation between consultation time and patient satisfaction in primary care settings in Mexico.

Materials and methods: Cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study that included patients over 18 years old. Time was measured using a stopwatch, and satisfaction was assessed using the Patient Doctor Relationship Questionnaire (PDRQ-9). The correlation between both variables was analyzed using the Spearman test, and multiple linear regression was employed to associate satisfaction with the consultation.

Results: A total of 115 participants were included. The average consultation duration was 12.1 minutes, and 74% of patients reported that the consultation time was adequate. A weak positive correlation (p < 0.001, r = 0.38) was found between actual consultation time and satisfaction. Multiple linear regression demonstrated that for every minute increase in consultation time, level of satisfaction increased in 0.04 units (p = 0.001, CI95%: 0.016-0.063).

Conclusion: Most patients reported satisfaction with the duration of their medical consultation, and longer consultation times were associated with higher satisfaction levels.