Satisfaction of Patients Attending in Primary Healthcare Centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Random Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

This study aims to determine the level of satisfaction of patients who visit primary healthcare centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The investigation was a cross-sectional study conducted in twenty randomly selected primary healthcare centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from October to December 2014. A descriptive data analysis was performed. Eligible participants had visited at least one of the selected primary healthcare centers within the past 12months. A total of 1741 participants completed the survey, providing a response rate of 87% (43% male, 57% female). The highest satisfaction rates were in the following areas: comprehensiveness and coordination 76.2% (95% CI 74.8±77.5), communication 72.7% (95% CI 71.3±74) and attitude of staff 73.4% (95% CI 72.1±74.8) The areas of greatest concern expressed by the participants were the length of the wait and the quality of the facility 55.4% (95% CI 53.3±57.5), 50.5% (95% CI 48.3±52.7), respectively. The majority of the patients attending primary healthcare centers in Riyadh showed high levels of satisfaction; however, there are still some factors that need to be considered and improved upon. These include the accessibility of primary healthcare centers as well as waiting time of patients. The results of the current study showed relative improvement in other factors such as comprehensiveness and coordination, communication and attitude of staff. The level of satisfaction of patients and stakeholders shows the progress of the quality of care in healthcare facilities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.