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

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.