Abstract
ABSTRACT Background: Patients satisfaction has always been important issue for physicians and hospital administrators. A patient is the ultimate consumer of the hospital. He is the person in distress and expects comfort, care and cure from hospital. He can better judge the performance of a hospital. Aims & Objectives: The present study was conducted with the objective to assess the level of satisfaction in patients attending the OPD of NSCB MC Hospital, Jabalpur, regarding waiting time, professional care and facilities available at OPDs. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out at Out Patient Departments of NSCB Medical College, Jabalpur. A total of 422 patients or their attendants >15 year, were chosen as respondents by systemic random sampling, in the period of 62 days from 9 OPDs. A 30- item questionnaire was administered, and responses were noted in term of excellent, good, fair and poor. Results: A total of 400 forms were analyzed out of 422. Mean age of the respondents was 39.08 years. 33% were illiterate and 43% were working on daily wages. The mean waiting time for OPD registration was 25.13 minute, and for consultation, it was 33.04 minutes. A total of 82% respondents were satisfied with examination of doctor, and 70% were satisfied that doctor explained well their queries, but most of them were unsatisfied with public facility and signage available at OPDs. Conclusion: An assessment of the level of patient satisfaction related to different OPD care reminded us of certain areas that need improvements, to improve hospital’s services - like waiting area, appropriate signboards, availability of public facility, like drinking water, and cleanliness.