Public perception of healthcare in the Canary Islands has worsened compared to the previous year, making islanders the most pessimistic Spaniards regarding their health services. The study, conducted by the Ministry of Health and the CIS, surveyed over 2,600 people nationwide, with 104 interviews in the Islands. Canarians scored healthcare 5.8 out of 10, the lowest in 10 years for the region and the second lowest in Spain.
This widespread dissatisfaction directly impacts trust in healthcare professionals. General practitioners received a score of 7.6, and nurses 7.9, which, while not negative, are among the lowest in the country. Discontent stems from the quality of care received, with lower satisfaction regarding doctors' knowledge of medical history and follow-up on health issues, rated at 7.1.
Canarians experience the longest waits to see specialist doctors, averaging 162 days. The experience with these specialists is the least satisfactory nationwide, with professionals conveying less security and confidence. Communication during consultations and the opportunity for patients to participate in decisions about their health are identified as weak points.
The report highlights that Canarians rate access to specialists and emergency services lower, leading to a greater preference for private options: 35.3% would choose private emergency care and 49.2% private specialist consultations. In primary care, despite higher attendance at health centers (89.1%), a third would consider private services. Long waits for appointments (8 days on average) and in waiting rooms (24.1% over an hour) also contribute to dissatisfaction.
Telephone consultations are frequent (65.8% annually), but satisfaction with these remote consultations is the lowest in Spain. Coordination between healthcare resources (health centers, hospitals, emergencies) receives the worst national rating. However, hospital inpatient care is a positive aspect, with over 90.3% of patients waiting less than three months for admission.
