Determining the knowledge of primary healthcare (PHC) physicians and factors influencing practices in the implementation of the catch-up vaccination program in PHC clinics in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the knowledge of primary healthcare (PHC) physicians and factors influencing implementation of the catch-up vaccination program in PHC clinics in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 136 general and family physicians between October 2018 and August 2019 in PHC clinics. A self-administered questionnaire related to knowledge, practices, and factors affecting their practices regarding vaccination was given to participants. Their responses were assessed for level of knowledge, practices regarding the vaccination program, and factors affecting their practices, and then compared between family and general physicians. Results: The majority of physicians (60%) surveyed had good knowledge of the catch-up vaccination program and no significant difference was observed between family and general physicians. Most physicians (60%) demonstrated correct knowledge of vaccination schedules and gaps between vaccines; no significant differences were observed between family and general physicians, except for the next scheduled child visit after 3 months, for the 18-month vaccination. A statistically significant difference was observed between family and general physicians related to attending educational lectures and seeing children younger than 5 years. General physicians were more involved in the vaccination program. Conclusion: The overall knowledge and practices of the catch-up vaccination program was satisfactory among PHC physicians. However, a lack of family physicians' involvement in the vaccination program was observed that needs to be addressed in their training program.

Evaluation of outpatient service quality in Eastern Saudi Arabia. Patient's expectations and perceptions.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate perceptions and expectations of patients regarding hospital outpatient services by using a service quality gap model and factors influencing such gaps. METHODS: In this cross-sectional descriptive study conducted between October and November 2014 in the outpatient waiting areas of a hospital in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, a sample of 306 patients was selected by convenience sampling technique. The data was collected through an Arabic version of the service quality (SERVQUAL) questionnaire consisting of 2 parts: patients' demographic characteristics, and 22 items scales of patients' expectations and perceptions of SERVQUAL. The data was analyzed by confirmatory factor analysis, independent, and paired t samples tests and one way analysis of variance test RESULTS: The results showed that the proposed model for service quality dimensions had a good fit by satisfying the recommended values. The patients' expectations exceeded perceptions in all service quality dimensions indicating statistically significant service quality gaps (t=26.3, p less than 0.000). Findings revealed that the empathy dimension contributed most patients' expectations (4.7 ± 0.5) and perceptions (3.7 ± 0.8) scores, and responsiveness contributed least to expectations (4.5 ± 0.6) and perceptions (3.2 ± 0.8) scores. Prompt services showed highest service quality gap, while observation of privacy showed the smallest service quality gap in the statements. The study showed a significant association between gender, age, education, multiple visits, and service quality dimensions. CONCLUSION: The proposed model is valid and reliable and significant service quality gaps of all 5 dimensions need to be prioritized and addressed by focused improvement efforts of hospital management.