DefinePK

Research Objective

To assess satisfaction with the treatment and services provided by the Emergency Department (ED) at District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) Gujranwala and to identify barriers faced by attendants of patients in the ED.

Methodology

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Emergency Department of DHQ Gujranwala from August to October 2021. A structured questionnaire with yes/no sub-categories was used. Z-scores with p-values were calculated to determine significant differences, with a significance level of p < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval. Ethical approval was obtained from the Gujranwala Medical College Ethical Review Board. A sample size of 384 consenting participants was recruited.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Obtain Ethical Approval"] --> B["Recruit Participants"];
    B --> C["Administer Structured Questionnaire"];
    C --> D["Collect Data"];
    D --> E["Analyze Data using Z-scores and p-values"];
    E --> F["Interpret Results"];
    F --> G["Formulate Conclusion and Recommendations"];                    

Discussion

Patient satisfaction is a crucial indicator of healthcare quality. Attendants often face significant challenges in government hospitals, including issues with medication availability, waiting times, and staff behavior. The study highlights that while many attendants are satisfied with the services at DHQ Hospital Gujranwala, there is still room for improvement, particularly in areas like food quality (46.4% satisfaction) and noise levels (48.4% not significantly noisy). The interpersonal aspect of care and clear communication from healthcare providers are highly valued by attendants.

Key Findings

The majority of attendants were from urban areas (54.7%). High satisfaction levels were reported for separate beds (64.6%), seating (65.6%), and privacy (67.2%). Attendants were satisfied with the behavior of doctors (75.5%), gatekeepers (63%), nurses (59.6%), and sweepers (77.1%). Guidance about indoor admission (74.2%), sanitation conditions (63.8%), drug availability (74%), prompt treatment initiation (71.9%), comprehension of doctors' explanations (79.4%), and consideration of treatment options (68%) also contributed to satisfaction. 68.5% of respondents would recommend the hospital, with 70.6% rating their overall experience as good.

Conclusion

Patients' attendants generally expressed positive feedback and satisfaction with the services provided by the Emergency Department of DHQ Hospital, Gujranwala. The study suggests that the hospital is generally well-regarded and recommended by attendants, but continuous monitoring and improvement efforts are necessary, especially concerning staff training in interpersonal skills and communication, and addressing issues like bribery and corruption.

Fact Check

1. Sample Size: The study involved 384 consenting participants. This is confirmed in the Methods and Results sections.
2. Study Period: The survey was conducted from August to October 2021. This is stated in the Methods section.
3. Urban Population Percentage: 54.7% of the majority of attendants were from urban areas. This is stated in the Results section.

Mind Map