Patients Satisfaction and Healthcare Delivery System in Public Sector Hospitals

Abstract

Health Care Delivery System (HCDS) in Pakistan has undergone through different phases. Studies have documented the role of this system in affecting the satisfaction level of patients in public sector hospitals. This study has attempted to examine the role of HCDS from another perspective of mediating variable. In order to examine the competence level of doctors and their behavioral aspects in dealing with their patients, General Satisfaction of patients has been used as a dependent variable, Task Performed By Doctors (TPBD) and Behavior and Time (BAT) have been used as independent variables and finally HCDS has been used as mediating variable. The study has been conducted in six districts of the Punjab selected amongst the three divisions. 120 hepatitis patients in each of these DHQs were interviewed and thus total of 720 patients were interviewed during this study. The results have indicated that HCDS has mediating effect on the basic relationship of dependent and independent variables. Health Care Delivery System in Pakistan needs attention of health policy makers, as it has very clear implications for patients’ satisfaction.