Timely access to services, clear communication and being treated with respect are some of the main things that patients want from the Irish health service, a new study has revealed.

The study, My Healthcare, My Future, is based on interviews with 1,000 current and future Irish patients, focus groups, and interviews with healthcare professionals and industry experts.

It revealed that timely access is a key priority for people, with 89% of respondents referring to this as ‘very important'. Some respondents commented that access is not just about waiting times. It should also take into account being able to access a service within a reasonable proximity of a person's home.

The study also found that clear communication is a key issue for people, with 86% highlighting the importance of having an illness or condition explained to them in language they understand.

It noted that people tend to look to their healthcare professionals for guidance and empathy and 85% said they are willing to be involved in the decision making process when it comes to treatments they may require.

Furthermore, the vast majority - 92% - said they are willing to ask questions if they do not understand what a healthcare professional tells them.

Meanwhile, the study also found that people want to be treated with dignity and respect and they want to be appropriately reassured by healthcare professionals.

Some believe measures such as clearer information on waiting times in Emergency Departments (EDs), have the potential to deliver a much more positive patient experience.

The study also found that:
-84% of patients are happy for their healthcare records to be accessed electronically by healthcare professionals
-74% believe the public should be allowed to access their own medical information online
-86% of people have confidence in their GP
-Pharmacists are the most frequently visited healthcare group, with members of the public making an average of nine visits per year.
-82% of people said they are willing to visit their local pharmacist rather than their GP for minor medical concerns if appropriate

Speaking at the launch of the study, Minister for Health, Simon Harris, said that he is ‘determined to ensure that the patient experience is listened to'.

"I will be launching several initiatives aimed at delivering better patient engagement and empowerment, including e-health innovations that have the potential to radically change the way health services are delivered. I will also announce a National Patient Experience Survey, to be undertaken by my Department, the HSE and HIQA in 2017 and I look forward to making sure that a patient-centred health service means just that," he commented.

The study was commissioned by MSD Ireland and carried out by Ipsos MRBI.