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Purpose: Patient satisfaction with pharmacy services, particularly in outpatient and discharge pharmacy settings, has become a vital metric for assessing medical quality. However, there's limited research on patient satisfaction in discharge pharmacy services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This study aims to systematically investigate and delineate the various patient-related and non-patient-related factors that significantly impact patient satisfaction in the realm of discharge pharmacy services. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over three months at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Jeddah (KAMC-J). The sample size was determined using a single population proportion formula, which resulted in a required sample size of 384 patients. A validated questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale evaluated satisfaction from "Strongly Dissatisfied" (1 point) to "Very Satisfied" (5 points) has been used. Data collectors underwent training and obtained written consent from participants, with questionnaire completion taking 5-10 minutes face to face. Results: The study encompassed 437 participants, primarily male (59%) with a college education (45.3%), residing mostly in Jeddah (67.3%). Notably, 84.4% were not healthcare providers, and most visited the pharmacy every six months (44.6%). The patient satisfaction survey revealed high scores for counseling understanding, pharmacist courtesy, and the way the pharmacist answered questions (4.94±0.31, 4.94±0.27, 4.94±0.32; respectively), but lower for understanding possible side effects (4.30±1.30) and pharmacy location (4.57±0.99). In logistic regression, visits lasting 10-15 minutes, and less than 10 minutes were significantly (p<0.05) associated with increased odds of patient satisfaction (OR=6.39, OR=9.45; respectively) Moreover, the medium length hospital stay was associated with decreased odds of patient satisfaction (OR=0.31, p=0.026). Conclusion: In conclusion, the study determined a significant proportion of patients are satisfied with discharge pharmacy services at KAMC-J, with the length of consultation and hospital stay being pivotal to their satisfaction. Addressing these factors, alongside optimizing pharmacist-patient communication and pharmacy service efficiency, can substantially elevate the quality of pharmaceutical care and patient experience.
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INTRODUCTION: Bee venom acupuncture therapy (BVT) is an alternative therapy used worldwide by patients with different chronic diseases due to its therapeutic effects on conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previous studies have illustrated the clinical effects of BVT on RA, but such a study has yet to be performed in Saudi Arabia (SA). It is important to evaluate BVT awareness among citizens of SA to measure the feasibility of conducting clinical trials of BVT in patients with RA in SA. This study aims to measure the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of BVT on RA and other chronic diseases in SA. This will help determine whether patients with RA have sufficient knowledge to be enrolled in clinical trials. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 180 patients with RA in SA was conducted using a KAP questionnaire on BVT. Individuals completed an online questionnaire using the Survey Monkey website. Data were obtained by self-completion of the online KAP questionnaire regarding BVT. RESULTS: A total of 180 patients with RA and other chronic diseases, with a mean age of 45 years (18-70 years), participated in the study. The results of the questionnaire showed that 55% of the participants demonstrated a good knowledge of BVT treatment; however, they also reported a poor attitude (55%) and practice (55%). Participants with RA demonstrated higher severity of disease (80%) than those with other chronic diseases. Participants with RA showed better KAP responses towards BVT than those with other chronic diseases. Participants with school education only and those who were beekeepers demonstrated significantly better KAP responses (P < 0.05) compared to participants who had received university education and those who were not beekeepers, respectively. CONCLUSION: Participants with strong RA knowledge may prove that patients from SA can be enrolled in BVT clinical trials. The participants' poor attitudes and practices may be due to BVT being expensive and unavailable in many cities in SA.