Primary care experience in people with mental health conditions: results from a national patient experience survey.

Aim: The study explored whether the reported experience of primary healthcare differs for survey respondents in Aotearoa New Zealand who self-report having a mental health (MH) condition in comparison with those who do not.

Method: Responses to the New Zealand Health Quality & Safety Commission's adult primary care patient experience survey received from August 2020 to May 2022 were analysed. Comparative analysis of patient-reported experience measures were completed to contrast experiences reported by those with and without a MH condition, with results stratified by ethnicity (Māori/non-Māori), age group and gender. Age/gender-standardised estimates for proportions of positive responses to each question were developed for each group alongside standardised risk differences.

Results: Our sample comprised 201,650 responses, with 21% reporting a current diagnosed MH condition. While most respondents reported positive experiences of primary healthcare, we found a consistent pattern of fewer positive experiences for those with MH conditions across dimensions of care quality, age and gender groups. When responses were separated by ethnicity, this difference was amplified among Māori.

Conclusion: This analysis adds to the increasing body of evidence that experience of MH conditions is associated with worse healthcare experiences. It demonstrates that data are available in Aotearoa New Zealand to routinely monitor and report on primary care experiences for this group. Interventions to improve healthcare should focus on care for Māori with MH conditions as a priority.