Background

Assessing the functioning of primary care from the public perspective is important for health systems monitoring.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess public perceptions of the functioning of the primary care services in Poland, as well as to identify factors associated with public perceptions of primary care.

Material and methods

This cross-sectional survey was conducted between October 10 and 13, 2025, using the Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) technique on a quota-based sample of 1,090 adults (18 and over) in Poland. Perceptions of primary care were based on eight questions with a 5-point Likert scale.

Results

Most respondents had a positive opinion on the primary care system in Poland. The highest percentage of “very good” ratings (36.5%) was recorded for the criterion “distance from the respondent’s place of residence to the primary care clinic”, and the lowest was for “coordination of patient care by the general practitioner and clinic staff” (23.4%). Having visited a primary care provider in the last 12 months was the most important factor associated with a positive assessment of all key domains of primary care in Poland (p < 0.05). Older respondents were also more likely (p < 0.05) to positively rate most of the analyzed domains of primary care. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences by gender, place of residence (except for waiting time and distance to the clinic), educational level, having children, number of household members, and occupational status.

Conclusions

Most adults in Poland reported a positive assessment of key domains of primary care, particularly regarding proximity to clinics and the perceived competence of general practitioners.