Journal of the Bahrain Medical Society

Year 2019, Volume 31, Issue 1, Pages 10-16

https://doi.org/10.26715/jbms.2019.1_13022019

Original Article

Evaluation of Satisfaction Level of Sickle Cell Disease Patients Regarding the Healthcare Services in Bahrain: A Cross-sectional Study

Amani Al Hajeri1*, Mariam Ali2 , Lana Saleh2 , Shaikha Alkowari2 , Aysha Al Saad3

Author Affiliation

1Consultant Clinical Geneticist, Head of Genetic Department, Assistant Clinical Professor, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Rd No. 2904, Manama, Bahrain.

2Medical Resident, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Rd No. 2904, Manama, Bahrain

3Medical Student, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Rd No. 2904, Manama, Bahrain

*Corresponding author:

Amani Al Hajeri, Consultant Clinical Geneticist, Head of Genetic Department, Assistant Clinical Professor, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Kingdom of Bahrain, Email: alhajeriamani@gmail.com

Received date: October 10, 2018; Accepted date: February 13, 2019; Published date: March 31, 2019


Abstract

Background and objective: Sickle cell disease (SCD) has a relatively higher incidence in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The disease causes frequent crisis that may require hospitalization. The study aimed to evaluate the satisfaction level of SCD patients regarding the healthcare services provided in Bahrain.

Methods: This cross-sectional study with a random convenience sample was conducted in the Medical and Surgical wards, SCD clinics, and the Hereditary Blood Diseases center at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) during May 2015–April 2016. The Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire short form (PSQ)-18 was used in this study, and it was double translated to an Arabic version. SPSS 21 software, Microsoft excel 2010, and chi-square test were used to analyze data as well as measure P value.

Results: The overall satisfaction rate regarding the healthcare services provided to SCD patients was 22% and 17% among males and females, respectively. Patients with higher education level had less satisfaction rate (43%). Moreover, patients stated that they waited for long duration to get the emergency treatment, whether it was in the Emergency department (88%), Hereditary Blood Diseases center (73%), or the Health center (63%).

Conclusion: Overall, patients had a fair level of satisfaction. The educational level was found to have an inverse relation with the level of satisfaction. Most participants were dissatisfied with the long waiting duration before receiving the care needed. We believe that reducing the waiting time will help in improving patients’ satisfaction level.

Keywords: Anemia, contentment, health service, sickle cell disease, emergency