Outcomes of a survey on the current situation of Castilla-Leon Primary Care Pediatrics

Objectives: To know the present situation about Primary Care Pediatrics in Castilla- Leon. Methods: Members of the Association of Primary Care Pediatrics in Castilla-Leon distributed a survey with 54 questions among Primary Care Pediatricians in every Health Area. The survey collected information about social and professional features, the work centre, health and surgery planning, a list of services, work timetables, personal relationships and opinions about several aspects related to our professional activity. It also included a specific section to be answered by Area Pediatricians. Results: 85 Pediatricians from 8 of the 9 provinces of Castilla-Leon answered. The majority were women, they work in urban Health Centres, with 1-3 Pediatricians in every centre. There are basic material deficiencies in 33% of the cases. The average number of Health Cards was 1104, with a high level of work pressure. There is also a demand to incorporate new programs within the list of services. 34% would accept the extension of the pediatric age up to 16 and an optimum number of Health Cards between 800-1000. They want to improve their continued training and the involvement of the Health Administration in it. Conclusions: The knowledge about current situation of Primary Care Pediatrics in Castilla-Leon allows us to make proposals to manage and attain a higher level of quality in Pediatric Care in addition to improve the professional aspects within the circle of our Health Sector.