ART Patients' Satisfaction Level Regarding Comprehensive HIV and AIDS Care Management and Antiretroviral Treatment Programme in Pretoria

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this cross- sectional study was to investigate patients' satisfaction levels regarding access to; and quality of; comprehensive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) care management and antiretroviral treatment programme (CCMT). A total of 402 patients were selected from three hospitals by stratified random sampling techniques. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess patients' satisfaction levels. Almost all the patients ( 93) gave positive response towards access to CCMT services; and mentioned that the doctor was kind; polite; and showed them respect; the nurse was kind; polite; and showed them respect; doctors provided full attention during consultations; and they felt comfortable talking to the healthcare provider about their problems. More than a tenth (12) of the patients were dissatisfied with regard to privacy during consultation; and another 13 regarded the receptionist or booking clerk as unkind; impolite; disrespectful and unhelpful towards them. The majority ( 90) of the patients were very satisfied; or satisfied; with obtaining medication; with the explanation on how to take it; and with the counselling and privacy. Patients were mostly dissatisfied with HIV-specific material (19); assessment of financial status (19); and explanation of laboratory results (8). Access to; and quality of; the CCMT programme in the three hospitals in the Tshwane District is excellent; and in line with what has been prescribed in the operational plan. The availability of HIV-specific material has to be strengthened in order to help educate patients; so that they can better access healthcare facilities; and especially patients on the CCMT programme