Perception of Patients on the Influence of Doctor-Patient Relationship on Effective Healthcare Delivery in Some Health Facilities in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: There is a deep dissatisfaction towards the services offered by doctors in government hospitals. Communication, being one of the major issues both on the part of the doctor and patient. There are also instances where patients lie to doctors about their health status, probably because the doctor fails to create a safe and conducive environment for the patient or because the patient could not confide in the doctor thus resulting in ineffective treatment. The quality of relationship between doctors and patients in government hospitals is fundamental for the several outcomes as regard services rendered by the doctor and those received by the patients and in other to improve the quality of healthcare delivery in public health care sector, there is the need for a research in the possible causes and solution to these problems. The study aimed to determine the perceived influence of doctor-patient relationship on effective health care delivery in some Health Facilities in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted among patients in Federal Medical Center, Otuoke, General Hospital, Kolo and Cottage Hospital, Otuasega, all in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa state. Data collection was carried out using both self-administered and interview administered questionnaire. 138 patients were selected for the study. An average of 20 interviews were conducted per clinic day. Results: Results of the study showed that majority of patients interviewed agreed that their relationship with the doctor is important in treatment outcome and were involved in making treatment decisions and were satisfied with the services received from their doctors. Conclusion: Many of the patients were satisfied with the level of doctor patient relationship. Keywords: Perception, Doctor- Patient relationship, Health care delivery.