Using SERVQUAL for assessing and improving patient satisfaction at a rural health facility in Pakistan

East Mediterr Health J. 2008 Mar-Apr;14(2):447-56.

Abstract

A cross-sectional study of patient satisfaction with care was conducted over a period of 1 year from March 2004 to March 2005 in a secondary-level hospital in a peri-urban area of Karachi, Pakistan. Using the SERVQUAL tool and exit interviews, data were collected quarterly from a total of 1533 patients. Results sharing and capacity-building workshops were arranged during the 4 phases of the survey to sensitize the staff of the hospital to work towards improving patient satisfaction. The level of satisfaction of the patients with the outpatient health services provided showed a gradual increase from 34.4% to 82.0% over the 1-year period.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Catalepsy
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Data Collection / methods
  • Education, Continuing
  • Female
  • Health Care Surveys / methods*
  • Humans
  • Inpatients / psychology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Needs Assessment / organization & administration*
  • Pakistan
  • Patient Satisfaction* / statistics & numerical data
  • Personnel, Hospital / education
  • Rural Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires* / statistics & numerical data
  • Total Quality Management / organization & administration*