The results of a new opinion poll published today show that over 95% of people want clear information about their healthcare around treatment options, costs and care planning.

The Health Information and Quality Authority carried out the poll ahead of starting its consultation on the Draft National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare which are due to be published in the coming weeks. Following the consultation process and when the Standards are completed and approved by Government, they will apply across all health sectors and will be highly significant in driving quality and safety for people using our health services.

Jon Billings, Director of Healthcare Quality and Safety with the Authority, said: “It’s vital to hear directly from the public and those who use services on what matters most to them in terms of quality and safety. This opinion poll will inform the development of the Standards as part of the wider public consultation. The results are very clear – people want information, clear accountability and quality in services and want to be supported in taking an active part in their own healthcare.”

99% of people said that they wanted to be informed if something went wrong in treatment and that providers should take steps to prevent mistakes and ensure learning takes place across the system to improve healthcare quality.

Despite the fact that the majority of people (95%) felt it important that senior staff take responsibility for the quality and safety of services, the majority (86%) said they did not feel this was currently the case.

Jon Billings added, “People clearly expressed the need for more openness in service provision. Some people reported experiencing challenges in making complaints and felt that further support and information in this area is needed.

Where people’s expectations are not met, or where there is a problem with services, it is important that they are clear on how to make a complaint. Our Standards stress the importance of having a clear complaints system. It’s important that people are aware of the processes around the management of complaints and are supported through staff being helpful and providing sufficient and understandable information.

There’s also a strong message from the public on the management of complaints within the system, 86% told us that a culture of openness is essential, along with polite approachable staff and clarity on the complaints process. This is an area our draft Standards will address” he said.

Personal responsibility for wellbeing and the importance of health promotion came across strongly with 87% saying it was each person’s responsibility to make healthy lifestyle choices, with a further 95% saying they wanted information from providers on this area.

97% of people want care to be provided at a time and place that is as convenient as possible. When asked about travelling for high quality specialist services, most people (72 %) understood and accepted the need to travel for specialist treatment.

The poll also found that almost 90% of people want to see eco-friendly issues taken into account by healthcare providers. Finally, when asked about how taxpayer’s money is spent on healthcare, 25% believe it is wisely spent in healthcare in Ireland.

A copy of the findings is available on the Authority’s website www.hiqa.ie

Further Information: 

For further information please contact:
Marty Whelan, Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
01 814 7481 / 086 2447 623 mwhelan@hiqa.ie

Notes to the Editor: 

Methodology RED C interviewed a random sample of 1001 adults aged 18+ by telephone between the 24th & 26th May 2010 Interviews were conducted across the country and the results weighted to the profile of all adults.