Patient satisfaction at accredited antiretroviral treatment sites in the Gert Sibande District.

Selente Bezuidenhout,Elvera A Helberg,Damilola A Ogunsanwo

doi:10.4102/phcfm.v6i1.627

Selente Bezuidenhout, Elvera A Helberg + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v6i1.627

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Abstract

BackgroundPatient satisfaction has been used as a significant indicator of quality services provided by healthcare personnel. With the largest antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme in the world, the healthcare industry is struggling increasingly with challenges of meeting patients’ requirements and expectations for quality ART service provision. This study was conducted in order to identify the importance of factors contributing to satisfaction or dissatisfaction.AimThis study sought to explore and describe the general satisfaction or dissatisfaction of patients with accredited ART hospital sites at public health facilities in the Gert Sibande District, Mpumalanga and to identify factors contributing to either satisfaction or dissatisfaction.SettingSix hospitals that initiated ART in the district, participated in the study.MethodThe study was conducted using a sample of 300 patients. Proportional random sampling was used in selecting the number of patients from each facility. A structured interview with each participating patient was conducted using a standardised structured questionnaire. The first available required number of patients that complied with requirements from each of the six hospitals was selected for the interview. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data and data with qualitative aspects were captured and categorised manually.ResultsThe major factors contributing to satisfaction included the availability of medicines and knowledge regarding how to take medication. Factors contributing to dissatisfaction on the part of the patients included confidentiality issues, long waiting periods, shortage of staff and dirty toilets.ConclusionThis study indicated general satisfaction with the ART-related services at the accredited ART hospital sites in the Gert Sibande District. Regular monitoring and evaluation are recommended.

Highlights

IntroductionThe Operational Plan for Comprehensive Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Care, Management and Treatment (CCMT), was approved by the South African government in 2003
The Operational Plan for Comprehensive Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Care, Management and Treatment (CCMT), was approved by the South African government in 2003. This plan provided for free antiretroviral treatment (ART) at public health facilities.[1]
The majority of patients were between the ages of 31 and 45, which represents a large percentage of the active South African workforce.[13]

Summary

Introduction

The Operational Plan for Comprehensive Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Care, Management and Treatment (CCMT), was approved by the South African government in 2003. This plan provided for free antiretroviral treatment (ART) at public health facilities.[1] According to the 2013 Global Update on HIV Treatment, more than 2.1 million people were receiving ART in South Africa.[2] This high number of patients who qualify for ART increases the workload of the public healthcare system.[3]. This study was conducted in order to identify the importance of factors contributing to satisfaction or dissatisfaction

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