An Evaluation of Patients’ Opinions of Primary Care Physicians: the Use of EUROPEP in Gaza Strip-Palestine

Patient satisfaction with pharmaceutical services at primary healthcare centers under the Palestinian Ministry of Health

BACKGROUND

The measurement of patient satisfaction is a vital metric that enhances stakeholders to take proactive steps in improving the quality of healthcare services within medical care systems. This study assessed patient satisfaction receiving pharmaceutical services from primary health care centers in the Palestinian Ministry of Health (PMoH) governorate directorates in the West Bank.

METHODS

A total of 938 patients, all aged 18 years or older, completed a self-administered questionnaire. The assessment of general satisfaction was based on selected questions. Analyses were conducted to explore demographic characteristics. Mean and standard deviation (S.D.) were reported. Likert method was used to average scale satisfaction. To examine statistically significant differences, Chi-square analysis and binary logistic analysis were employed.

RESULTS

56.8% of the survey respondents were women, 57.2% were 40 years or older, and 63.2% had graduated from high school. The general satisfaction score averaged 4.10 ± 0.77 indicating good satisfaction. Patients were satisfied with interpersonal relationships, with a mean score of 4.19 ± 0.70. However, satisfaction with therapy management was lower, with a mean score of 3.99 ± 0.77 indicating moderate satisfaction. A significant factor can affect patient's satisfaction such as the location of the pharmacy (OR = 1.720, P = 0.012), the waiting area (OR = 1.671, P = 0.002) and the cleanness of pharmacy (OR = 2.307, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study underlines the main components of patient satisfaction who receive pharmaceutical services in PMoH. It is highly recommended that PMoH must address patient dissatisfaction points in a total quality management plan.

Evaluating the effectiveness and feasibility of a digital health intervention to community-based rehabilitation in older adults: A cluster randomized controlled trial study protocol

Objective

The escalating global aging population underscores the need to effectively manage geriatric diseases, constituting a significant public health concern. Community-based rehabilitation has emerged as a crucial and accessible paradigm for the rehabilitation of older adults. In China, however, the practical implementation of community-based rehabilitation faces formidable challenges, including a dearth of specialized rehabilitation therapists, substantial disparities between demand and supply, and suboptimal satisfaction rates. We aimed to develop a community-based rehabilitation management platform for older adults centered around digital health technology, with the plan to conduct a cluster randomized controlled trial to gather more evidence to explore the best practices and service models of community-based rehabilitation based on digital health technology.

Methods

This cluster randomized controlled trial will be conducted in Zunyi City, China. We will recruit 286 adults aged ≥60 years and randomly allocate 20 subdistricts in a 1:1 ratio into either the intervention group, which will use the Rehabilitation Journey application, or the control group, which will be given a Rehabilitation Information Booklet for Older Adults. Both groups will undergo a 12-month rehabilitation management program, encompassing six months of guidance and an additional six months of follow-up through online and offline methods. The evaluation indicators will be assessed at enrollment and at 3rd, 6th, and 12th month.

Discussion

This study endeavors to furnish novel insights to develop a tailored community-based rehabilitation management program for older adults, delivering customized, intelligent, and precise rehabilitation services.

Evaluating the level of satisfaction of patients utilizing first-level health facilities as a function of health system performance rating in the province of Elazig, Turkey

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to determine the level of satisfaction of patients utilizing first-level health care facilities as a function of health system performance rating in Elazig province of Turkey.

METHODS

The study was conducted between December 2013 and March 2014 at the family health centers in the Elazig province center. For collecting the data in the cross-sectional study conducted with 1,290 patients, personal data form for patients and the Turkish version of European Patients Evaluate General/Family Practice scale was used.

RESULTS

Of the patients who participated in the study, 54.3% were female. According to the general average scores received by the patients from European Patients Evaluate General/Family Practice-TR Patient Satisfaction Survey questions, average scores of male patients were found to be higher than those of female patients. Scores of the divorced and widow patients were higher compared to other groups, but this was not statistically significant. Average scores of the patients whose educational status is secondary school were higher compared to other groups. Scores of the patients with children were higher compared to those without children. Scores of the patients whose occupation was farming were higher compared to the other groups of occupation. Scores of the patients whose income was TL 1,001-2,500 were found to be higher compared to other patients. Scores of the patients who stated that they never had difficulty in access were higher compared to others, but this was not statistically significant. Average scores of the patients who had chronic diseases and patients who stated to have physical handicap were higher compared to those who did not have chronic disease and physical handicap, but these differences were not found to be statistically significant, either.

CONCLUSION

There is a statistically significant difference between the patients' demographic characteristics (sex, educational status, occupation, and income status) and their levels of satisfaction with the family medicine practice.

Self-reported health complaints in a primary care population living under stressful conditions in the Gaza Strip, Palestine

BACKGROUND

The population in the Gaza Strip has been living under chronically stressful conditions as a result of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

OBJECTIVES

To identify health complaints reported by attendants consulting primary care physicians in the Gaza Strip.

METHODS

The study took place in 10 governmental primary health care centres and 5 clinics of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in the Gaza Strip, during autumn 2005. Self-reported health complaints were recorded through face-to-face interviews with 956 respondents using a validated and reliable questionnaire.

RESULTS

Abdominal pain and headache were the most frequent complaints reported among patients aged 18 to 44 years, accounting for 23.3% and 22.7% of total complaints in males and females, respectively. Fatigue and joint pain were the most common complaints among patients aged 45 years and above, accounting for 26% and 33.9% of total complaints in males and females, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The most common complaints, as reported by patients attending PHC facilities were stress-related and could be attributed to the ongoing conflict and high level of violence and uncertainty in the area. These complaints present a challenge to primary care providers in their efforts to improve the everyday quality of life of Palestinian residents with scarce means and resources.