Patient satisfaction with Saudi community pharmacy services (Wasfaty System)

Abstract

IntroductionThe healthcare system in KSA has been substantially transformed as part of Vision 2030, including implementation of an electronic prescribing system, called Wasfaty, to enable patients to receive their prescriptions from community pharmacies (CPs). This study assessed patient satisfaction with CPs and the Wasfaty system. MethodsThis cross-sectional observational study used existing data from the Saudi Ministry of Health's patient experience program. Data were collected from patients (≥15 years of age) visiting governmental primary care clinics in 2022. Summary statistics were determined and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. ResultsThe sample included 66,541 patients. More than 70% of patients were satisfied with the services of the CPs and the Wasfaty system. Being older and being female consistently showed a positive association with satisfaction across several services. Whereas patients in preventive clinics had higher odds of satisfaction with medication availability (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.03–1.37) and waiting time (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.03–1.47), patients in chronic disease clinics had lower satisfaction with medication availability (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.85–0.99). Saudi patients had lower odds of being satisfied with multiple services. ConclusionsThe overall high satisfaction among patients suggested the success of the Wasfaty system in meeting patient needs and expectations. However, areas for improvement exist to increase patient satisfaction, such as addressing medication shortages and ensuring clear patient–pharmacist communication. The results highlight the importance of continued monitoring and evaluation to support the patient experience with pharmacy services, and to improve patients' journeys, medication adherence, and overall healthcare outcomes.