Patients satisfaction on surgical care at Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Patient satisfaction is among the integral components in ensuring that the services offered by a health facility are of good quality. Many clinicians however think that this is an administrative duty while in a big part the role is played with them as most studies show that most patients uphold physician interaction including communication as a key component for their satisfaction. Our study aimed to determine patients’ satisfaction towards surgical care provided at Muhimbili National Hospital.

Method: This was a cross-sectional study that included 100 surgical patients admitted at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in the months of August and September. We used modified Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey tool to collect data from our patients. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.

Results: A total of 100 patients were interviewed, 46 being males and 54 being female patients. Most of them (32%) were in age group 20-29. Majority of our participants (97%) were satisfied with the way the doctor communicated with them. Seventy-seven and seventy-nine participants reported that they would willingly come back for care and recommend the facility to a relative or friend respectively.

Conclusion: Most of our patients receiving surgical care at MNH are satisfied with the care however more studies should be done assessing the quality and outcome related to surgical care.

Keywords: Surgical care, satisfaction