Assessment of quality of patient care provision at cardiology clinic, Teaching Hospital Batticaloa.

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. These diseases are responsible for a significant burden on healthcare systems and the economy. Cardiovascular diseases are also a major health concern in Asia, including Sri Lanka. The region is experiencing a rapid epidemiological transition with increasing rates of CVDs. There are several clinic followers for CVDs. Therefore, assessing the quality of patient care provision at a cardiology clinic is a crucial area of research. The current study aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction with the quality of healthcare. By evaluating key performance indicators, analyzing quality metrics, identifying areas for improvement, and proposing evidence-based recommendations, this research seeks to optimize patient outcomes, enhance patient satisfaction, and drive continuous improvement within the cardiology clinic setting. By promoting evidence-based practices and fostering a culture of quality enhancement, healthcare professionals can ensure that patients receive the highest standard of care in cardiology clinics. The objective of the study is to determine the quality of patient care provision at cardiology clinic, Teaching Hospital Batticaloa. Descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 216 patients attending the cardiology clinic, Teaching Hospital Batticaloa, using an Interviewer-administered questionnaire. Variables were analyzed using SPSS.28. Ethical clearance was obtained. Majority of the participants were male (65.3%) and, the majority (44.4%) of the participants were over 60 years old. Majority (66.2%) of the participants referred from ward and 92.6% of the participants agreed that the appointment in the cardiology clinic was easy to obtain. However, more than half of the participants (53.7%) were waiting 1-2 hours to see the doctor. Even though, majority of the participants (97.7%) stated that privacy and dignity were always maintained during clinic visits, 84.7% of the participants rated the overall communication between the staff of the cardiology clinic and themselves as good. All 100% of the participants agreed that healthcare providers listen to their concerns, address them properly, and explain their diagnosis and treatment clearly. In addition, 100% of the participants agreed that healthcare providers were knowledgeable and updated with the latest advances in cardiology. All 100% of the participants are satisfied with the overall quality of medical care that they have received at the cardiology clinic. Majority of participants (93.1%) are confident in recommending the cardiology clinic to others in need of cardiology care. Commonest gender was male and the commonest age group is over 60 years. Majority of the participants believe that healthcare providers listen to their concerns, address them properly, and explain their diagnosis and treatment clearly. They are also knowledgeable and updated with the latest advances in cardiology. In addition, the privacy and dignity of the participants are maintained, and the overall communication is good at the cardiology clinic. Though creating a short clinic appointment without waiting for the doctor will increase the quality of health care providers, anyhow, majority of the participants are satisfied with the overall quality of medical care that they have received at the cardiology clinic.