Reappraisal of the Inverse Care Law – Analysis of Results 2

Analysis of Results Part 2 – High and Low Deprivation PCT Groups and Health Care Experience

Indicator 1 – How Long Waited for Appointment

Figure 1. Bar Chart Showing How Long Waited for an Appointment, for High and Low Deprivation Groups

How Long Waited for an Appointment, for High and Low Deprivation Groups

As expected the high deprivation group were more likely to have to wait more than two working days. They were also more likely to be seen without an appointment, however the differences are minimal.

Indicator 2 – Whether Given Enough Time to Discuss Medical Problem

Firgure 2. Bar Chart Showing Whether Given Enough Time to Discuss Medical Problem for High and Low Deprivation Groups

Whether Given Enough Time to Discuss Medical Problem for High and Low Deprivation Groups

As expected, the high deprivation group had a lower proportion that ‘definitely’ had enough time to to discuss their medical problem.

Indicator 3 – Whether Treated by Doctor with Respect and Dignity

Figure 3. Bar Chart Showing Whether or Not Treated with Respect and Dignity for High and Low Deprivation Groups

Whether or Not Treated with Respect and Dignity for High and Low Deprivation Groups

There is not much difference between the groups for this question: the low deprivation group was 2% more likely to be treated with respect and dignity all of the time.

Indicator 4 – Whether or Not Been Refferred to a Specialist

Figure 4. Bar Chart Showing Whether Been Referred to a Specialist for High and Low Deprivation Groups

Whether Been Referred to a Specialist for High and Low Deprivation Groups

There is little difference between the two groups but it is the opposite to expected: the higher deprivation group had a slighlty higher proportion (3.5%) that been referred to a specialist.

Indicator 5 – Whether or Not Main Reason For Visiting GP Was Dealt With to the Patients’ Satisfaction

Figure 5. Bar Chart Showing Whether or Not Problem Was Dealt With to the Patients’ Satisfaction for High and Low Deprivation Groups

Whether or Not Problem Was Dealt With to the Patients’ Satisfaction for High and Low Deprivation Groups

There is was a small difference between the groups: as expected the higher deprivation group had a greater proportion (by 6.5%) that answered ‘no’ to having their main reason for the appointment dealt with to their satisfaction.

Indicator 6 – Whether or Not Been Put Off Going to GP Due to Inconvenient Opening Times

Figure 6. Bar Chart Showing Whether Been Put Off Going to GP Due to Inconvenient Opening Times for High and Low Deprivation PCT Groups

Whether Been Put Off Going to GP Due to Inconvenient Opening Times for High and Low Deprivation PCT Groups

There is a slight difference between the groups as expected: high deprivation groups had a greater proportion (by 7.5%) that were put off going to their GP because of inconvenient opening times, either ‘often’ or ‘sometimes’.