Patient Satisfaction and Adherence to Treatment in Relation to Communication/ Interaction with Health Professionals a Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: To quantify the satisfaction level of patients in public, private, and semi-government hospitals in relation to their communication with health personnel and its effect on their treatment compliance.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional analytical study. Convenient sampling was done and the sample size (N=228) was calculated using the Creative Research Systems Survey Software. Population under study included men and women over the age of 18 years with any experience at a hospital/ any interaction with medical staff. People who visit hakim and herbal shops were excluded. Data was collected through structured questionnaire by using Google Docs. After IRB-FMC permission the link of the questionnaire was then randomly distributed to the different known departments of Air University.

Results:  Significant association between younger age, male gender and presence of attendant with satisfaction keeping p value at 0.05 was found. Friendly and easily accessible doctors and perception that the doctor prescribed accurately showed an association with satisfaction. There was association between having a chronic illness and being satisfied with adherence to treatment. No association was found between type of hospitals, monthly income and occupation with satisfaction level and adherence to treatment.

Conclusion: Satisfaction played a significant role in a patient’s adherence to treatment. Therefore, contributing factors like demeanor or IPS (Interpersonal Skills) significantly affected satisfaction and consequently, adherence.