ABSTRACT
Purpose: This study aimed to explore the gap between patients' expectations of healthcare service quality in Jordanian hospitals against their perceptions of service received using SERVQUAL model. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design. The study data were collected randomly from 415 patients (participants) who completed the SERVEQUAL questionnaire. The data were analyzed using statistical procedures such as descriptive, t-test, and ANOVA. Results: The results showed that there is a gap between mean score of patients' expectations of what should be available in the hospital and patients' perceptions of the service received in the hospital. Patients' expectations were higher than their perceptions on all five SERVQUAL domains (Tangibles, Reliability, Responsiveness, Assurance, and Empathy). Conclusion: Hospital managers should take necessary actions to improve healthcare services in their hospitals with respect to all SERVQUAL domains. These actions should be directed to reduce the gap between patients' expectation and their perceptions in order to provide services meet patients' needs.
ABSTRACT
In this study we explored the experiences of the guide children (children who guide adults with visual impairment to beg for a living on the streets) in Tamale, Ghana, to unearth the impact of the guiding role on their educational participation and well-being. Data were gathered from 104 children and 57 adults using a set of questionnaires and interviews. The results showed that adults chose many of the children to take on the guide role and many of the children did not attend school. The implications for the children's well-being are discussed in relation to needs and rights.
Subject(s)
Caregivers/psychology , Educational Status , Parents , Visually Impaired Persons , Activities of Daily Living , Adolescent , Child , Cooking , Culture , Female , Ghana , Household Work , Humans , Male , Parent-Child Relations , Socioeconomic FactorsABSTRACT
In this case study the authors examined the functioning of the community-based rehabilitation (CBR) program for people with disabilities in 3 pilot districts after the conclusion of donor support in Ghana. Questionnaire and interview data from 42 people with disabilities, 8 local supervisors, and 3 social workers about program structures, support for people with disabilities, and challenges were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative procedures, involving the use of Leximancer software. The authors found that some CBR structures remained in the communities. Diminished support for disabled peoples' organizations from communities and local government agencies were key challenges. The problem of volunteer local supervisors wanting to be paid ignited the evidence versus ideology debate around sustainability of CBR programs.
