The influence of socio-economic and demographic factors on the need in adult patients for consultative and diagnostic services provided in an outpatient setting

Introduction. To implement a patient-centered approach in the provision of primary health care, it is necessary to take into account, among other things, the social characteristics of patients.

Purpose of the study: to study the influence of gender, age, and socio-economic status on the need in adult patients for consultative and diagnostic services provided in an outpatient setting.

Materials and methods. The study was conducted in medical institutions providing medical care on an outpatient basis and operating in the system of the municipal Department of Health or in the private healthcare sector of the city of Moscow. The study used the data copying method, statistical, and analytical research methods.

Results. In male and female patients the need for consultative and diagnostic services are comparable, with the exception of gender-specific services. However, the absence of significant differences cannot be considered true, and this issue needs further study. The key factors determining the need for consultative and diagnostic services are age and method of payment for medical care. Age determines the volume of medical care in terms of the increase in the incidence of chronic diseases and multimorbidity; method of payment for medical care — from the point of view of considering paid medical services as an alternative to free ones provided in the public health sector. Belonging to a particular social group is rather an indirect factor reflecting the age characteristics of the patient.

Research limitations. The main limitations of the study are the local nature of its conduct (Moscow) and the lack of an in-depth analysis of the connection between the need for advisory and diagnostic services and gender.

Conclusion. The predominant age of the population served and the preferred method of payment for medical care influence the necessary material and technical equipment, staffing structure and work schedule of the medical institutions, which are important for the implementation of a patient-oriented approach in terms of patient expectations.

Compliance with ethical standards. Compliance with ethical standards: the study was approved by the local ethics committee of the Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), protocol No. 12-22 dated 06/02/2022.

Contribution of the authors:
Volnukhin A.V. — research concept and design, writing the text, compilation of the list of literature;
Morozova T.E., Skvirskaya G.P. — writing the text, editing;
Reze A.G., Samokhina E.O., Zaugolnikova T.V. — collection and processing of material;
Gurjar M.V., Gertsog A.A. — statistical data processing.
All authors are responsible for the integrity of all parts of the manuscript and approval of the manuscript final version.

Funding. The study had no sponsorship.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Received: May 20, 2024 / Accepted: December 17, 2025 / Published: March 4, 2026

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