Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

A study using sample survey methods to investigate the public's experience, attitudes and needs in respect of health care provided by the National Health Service. It involved the active co-operation of the District General Managers in four health districts, together with the administrators of the Family Practitioner Committees covering the same areas.Four separate sample surveys were conducted.

Main Topics:

Variables The examination of public satisfaction was limited to four service areas: GP services; accident and emergency services; outpatient departments; inpatient and daypatient stays (including maternity). Within these areas emphasis was placed on: access to care; communication; information, knowledge and consumer choice; the interface between GP and hospital care; models of care. In addition to collecting background data on individual and household use of NHS services, use of 'alternative medicine' and private health care services was investigated, although limitations on interview length did not permit this to be carried out in detail.

One-stage stratified or systematic random sample

Stratified random sample in each health district. Two-stage design : selection of 100 enumeration districts in each district after stratification using ACORN,with probability proportional to number of delivery points; a systematic random sample of 15 delivery points in each enumeration district were then selected. Sampling frame: Postcode Adress File

Face-to-face interview