Patient satisfaction in Duhok, Kurdistan region of Iraq: family medicine center vs. primary health care centers

ABSTRACT

Family Medicine came to the fore as a specialty in Kurdistan Region of Iraq in 2006; however, no study to date has been done to evaluate its acceptance among the general population. The aim of this study is to compare patient satisfaction at the first family medicine center in Duhok with that at two traditional primary health care centers in the same city quarter. A modified SERVQUAL survey of 16 questions with single-option variables in a three-point Likert scale was used to identify patient satisfaction at Zanest Family Medicine Center compared to Barzan Primary Health Care Center as well as Shahidan Primary Health Care Center in a four week period during August 2008. The study showed significant higher patient satisfaction at the family medicine center in all five SERVQUAL dimensions tangibles, reliability. Responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. However, in the dimension responsiveness, the statistical difference was barely reached. There was a trend observed that older, less educated, and male patients were more satisfied than younger, higher educated, and female patients, yet without statistical significance. Patients are satisfied with the first Family Medicine Center in Duhok compared to that provided by traditional PHCCs. This finding may forecast a greater future acceptance of similar services. The researchers recommended a wider adoption of family medicine services by all traditional PHCCs