Patient perceptions regarding information given on hospital discharge in Almadinah Almunawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Patients must be the focus when planning a hospital discharge process. Patient discharge information is what the patients and/or their families expect to receive from the health professionals whom treated them before they are discharged from a hospital or clinic. This information is given in terms of the physical, psychological, and social aspects in relation to the various health conditions. The objective of this study is to investigate patients' perception and satisfaction regarding the information given to them on hospital discharge. This is an observational and analytical cross-sectional study implemented in the city of Almadinah Almunawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Time bound sampling technique was used over a period of three months to interview patients or those who accompany them in the outpatient clinics at public and private hospitals in Almadinah Almunawwarah. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the level of satisfaction with the quality of the information given to patients or those who accompany them on their hospital discharge. The mean age of the participants was 34.23 +/- 9.34 years. Public hospitals had more admissions among the sample, accounting for around 63% compared to 37% for private hospitals. Satisfaction with information about what the patients need to do after leaving the hospital and about the potential complications of their medical problems was higher in private hospitals [P < 0.05*]. Satisfaction with information about dietary plans and the arrangements done by the hospitals for the follow-up after discharge was highly significant in private hospitals compared to public hospitals [P < 0.001**]. Patients admitted for causes related to obstetrical or gynecological issues were more satisfied with the information about whom to call in emergency situations [P < 0.05*] and on how to care for surgical or wound sites [P < 0.01**]. There is an urgent need for health planners and professionals to formulate detailed, written patient discharge information plans that have all the information the patients may need during and after their discharge from the hospital/clinic