Some Factors that Influence Doctor-Patient Relationship on Effective Healthcare Delivery in Some Public Health Care Facilities in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Trust is a fundamental characteristic of the physician-patient relationship. Patients must trust that their physicians will work in their best interests to achieve optimal health outcomes. 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. The study conducted to determine the some factors that can influence of doctor-patient relationship which would eventually determine the effectiveness of health care delivery in public health centres in Ogbia, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. 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: Numerous factors such as age, gender, level of education, socioeconomic status, cultural and religious beliefs can affect physician-patient relationship. Results of this study demonstrated that communication and trust were the two most Communication and Trust. factors that greatly influenced the effectiveness of health care delivery and many patients were satisfied with the services received from their doctors. Conclusion: Communication and mutual trust between the doctor and patient are of the major factors that influences doctor patient relationship.