Regular control at the general practitioner is positively correlated with patient satisfaction with chronic care management

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study is to identify how disease management programmes for patients with a chronic disease work. This issue is explored from the patients' perspective. Specifically, we study how transition and coordination are related to the patient's perception of quality of care, with a particular focus on the general practitioner's (GP) role. METHODS: The study is based on a survey conducted among patients with Type 2 diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the Central Denmark Region in 2011 and 2012. Data are analysed using logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 4,174 patients answered the questionnaire. The response rate was 43%. Whether the patient attends regular visits with the GP or not has a significant influence on both the patient's overall perception of the healthcare sector and on the patient's perception of the organisation of care. Variation among patient groups was identified and COPD patients had the least positive overall perception of the care received. CONCLUSIOS: Patients who visit their GP for regular control both have a better overall perception of the healthcare sector and are more likely to think that their treatment is well organised. Patients with COPD have a less positive score than patients with ACS and diabetes.