LEVEL OF SATISFACTION AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING BASIC HEALTH UNITS IN ABBOTTABAD

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Over the last two decades Basic Health Units have been emphasized as key outlets for Primary Health Care services in the rural areas of country. Patient’s satisfaction have long been considered as important components when measuring health outcome and quality of care. This study was conducted to know the level of satisfaction among patients attending basic health units.
METHODS: This cross - sectional study was conducted at Basic Health Units (BHUs) Nawanshehr and Dhamtour, Abbottabad from 1st December 2015 to 31st May 2016. Patients who met inclusion criteria were randomly selected from both BHUs on the day of visit and so 89 study participants were selected. Frequencies and percentages were calculated using SPSS -V 20.MS Excel 2007 was used for plotting graphs.
RESULTS: Overall patient had variable experience of attending BHU. Majority of patients (56%) lived in the vicinity of BHU within 5km. As far as the doctor’s response was concerned 73% said that response was always good. 61.7% patients agreed that sometimes medicines were available at BHU.
CONCLUSION: Primary health care is a key determinant of overall patient’s satisfaction attending BHU. Patient’s comments suggest that number of concerns must be addressed and quality of services shouldbe improved.

KEYWORDS: Primary Health Care, Patient’s satisfaction, Health Care Facilities.