Satisfaction of the elderly population attended in the family health strategy in Santa Cruz, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the satisfaction of the elderly population in relation to the health care received in the Family Health Strategy, in Santa Cruz, in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. It is a descriptive quantitative study, with a sample of 101 older adults registered in the municipality's family health system. The data were collected between May and September 2011, using a structured questionnaire, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics. It was observed that 67.3% of the interviewees were satisfied with the assistance received, and 72.3% were satisfied with the advice received. In relation to scheduling, waiting times and time spent in the consultations, many were dissatisfied (62.4%, 54.5% and 70.3% dissatisfaction, respectively). We conclude that, in spite of the majority of older adults being satisfied with this care, it is necessary to improve the attendance, particularly in the flow of requests for consultations in the units studied.