Introducción: es importante conocer cómo el tiempo de la consulta se relaciona con la satisfacción del paciente, ya que son dos variables que no se han estudiado a profundidad de forma conjunta. Objetivo: determinar la correlación que existe entre el tiempo de consulta y la satisfacción del paciente en un primer nivel de atención en México. Material y métodos: estudio transversal, observacional y analítico que incluyó a pacientes mayores de 18 años. Se midió el tiempo con cronómetro, así como la satisfacción mediante el cuestionario Patient Doctor Relationship Questionnaire (PDRQ-9). Se analizó la correlación entre ambas variables con la prueba de Spearman y para asociar la satisfacción con la consulta se empleó regresión lineal múltiple. Resultados: se incluyeron 115 participantes. La duración media de la consulta fue de 12.1 minutos y el 74% de los pacientes indicó que el tiempo de consulta les pareció adecuado. Se encontró una correlación positiva leve (p < 0.001, r = 0.38) entre el tiempo real de la consulta y la satisfacción. Mediante la regresión lineal múltiple se demostró que, por cada minuto de aumento en la consulta, el índice de satisfacción aumentaba en un 0.04 (p = 0.001, IC95%: 0.016-0.063). Conclusión: la mayoría de los pacientes refieren estar satisfechos con la duración de la consulta médica; sin embargo, a mayor duración de la consulta los pacientes muestran mayor satisfacción.

Abstract Background: It is important to understand how consultation time relates to patient satisfaction, as these two variables have not been extensively studied together. Objective: To determine the correlation between consultation time and patient satisfaction in primary care settings in Mexico. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study that included patients over 18 years old. Time was measured using a stopwatch, and satisfaction was assessed using the Patient Doctor Relationship Questionnaire (PDRQ-9). The correlation between both variables was analyzed using the Spearman test, and multiple linear regression was employed to associate satisfaction with the consultation. Results: A total of 115 participants were included. The average consultation duration was 12.1 minutes, and 74% of patients reported that the consultation time was adequate. A weak positive correlation (p < 0.001, r = 0.38) was found between actual consultation time and satisfaction. Multiple linear regression demonstrated that for every minute increase in consultation time, level of satisfaction increased in 0.04 units (p = 0.001, CI95%: 0.016-0.063). Conclusion: Most patients reported satisfaction with the duration of their medical consultation, and longer consultation times were associated with higher satisfaction levels. 

Background: It is important to understand how consultation time relates to patient satisfaction, as these two variables have not been extensively studied together. Objective: To determine the correlation between consultation time and patient satisfaction in primary care settings in Mexico. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study that included patients over 18 years old. Time was measured using a stopwatch, and satisfaction was assessed using the Patient Doctor Relationship Questionnaire (PDRQ-9). The correlation between both variables was analyzed using the Spearman test, and multiple linear regression was employed to associate satisfaction with the consultation. Results: A total of 115 participants were included. The average consultation duration was 12.1 minutes, and 74% of patients reported that the consultation time was adequate. A weak positive correlation (p < 0.001, r = 0.38) was found between actual consultation time and satisfaction. Multiple linear regression demonstrated that for every minute increase in consultation time, level of satisfaction increased in 0.04 units (p = 0.001, CI95%: 0.016-0.063). Conclusion: Most patients reported satisfaction with the duration of their medical consultation, and longer consultation times were associated with higher satisfaction levels.