ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine socio-demographic profile among the OPD patients and the overall satisfaction level of the patients utilizing the OPD
Study Design: A descriptive cross sectional study
Place and Duration: Conducted in OPD of Al-Nafees Hospital Islamabad from 12th January -12th March 2015
Methodology: Through convenient sampling a closed ended structured questionnaire was employed to collect the quantitative data. OPD patients aged 18-64 who showed willingness to participate were included in the study. Indoor patients, patients below 18 and above 64 and those who were not willing were excluded
Results: The study was conducted on 209 patients. Overall satisfaction level of patients with the OPD health services was 86.2%. Satisfaction level was found to be more in females than males. 42.6% had a family income of >15000 Rupees but satisfaction level with OPD services was same among respondents falling in different categories of family income. Patients with primary level of education were more satisfied. 41.1% waited 15-30 minutes for the examination by the doctor. 89% of the patients were satisfied from the registration staff. 73.3% were satisfied with doctor's service. The satisfaction level from the nurses was 64.6%. 63.3% were satisfied from the services provided by the pharmacy. 63.2% said that the medical expenses were affordable. 88% of the patients agreed upon the cleanliness of the building of the hospital and 77% stated that that signs and boards were easy to follow
Conclusion: In the current study it was found that majority of respondents were highly satisfied with the OPD services offered at Al-Nafees Hospital. Patients were satisfied with the behavior of registration staff, Physicians' communication skills, waiting time for examination, nursing care, pharmacy services and logistic arrangements
ABSTRACT
Research and evidence are getting more important for organizing and delivering the health services. Quality research has an important part to play in strengthening the health systems. There is a concern that evidence is not utilized to the extent it should be. The purpose of this study was to find out whether the Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health [MNCH] Program is an evidence based initiative in Pakistan. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted in June toAugust 2011 in Islamabad, with key stakeholders of health system, using a semi-structured in-depth interview. The study participants feel that the basis of decision-making in Pakistan's health sector including national MNCH program is indeed evidence based; however other factors such as personal interest, donor interest and political factors have influenced as well. They quote national surveys, research studies and HMIS as credible sources of evidence. There is consensus on the importance and use of local, regional and global evidence. National as well as international best practices have been considered at the conceptualization, designing and planning phases of MNCH program; while execution and M and E stages have not benefitted at all from the available evidence. Lack of funding for research, time limitations and absence of culture of evidence utilization are some of the challenges. Astrong linkage between researches, policy makers and managers is most emphasized strategy for ensuring evidence based decision-making. This study has informed the stakeholders about the extent, type and scope of evidence utilization for decision-making of national MNCH program. Moreover, an improved use of evidence in future country wide programs will help in resource saving, ensuring better performance, ownership and sustainability of the program