Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare
Volume 26, Issue 4, 2017, Pages 217-223

Patient satisfaction and its potential impact on refugee integration into the healthcare system (Article) (Open Access)

Mkanta W.N.* , Ibekwe O. , Mejia de Grubb M.C. , Korupolu C.
  • a Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY, United States
  • b School of Community Health and Policy, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, United States
  • c Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
  • d Prime Healthcare Services, Ontario, CA, United States

Abstract

Background: Health care constitutes an important aspect of services in the resettlement processes for newly arriving and resettling refugees. Objectives: We conducted a study to investigate levels of satisfaction related to health services delivered to refugee populations in a resettlement community and its surrounding areas. Methods: We used the experience of 92 adult refugee patients to examine social-cultural, clinical and economic characteristics affecting satisfaction with health care. A cross-sectional study using the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) was conducted. Item analysis was conducted by considering each question on the PSQ as an item and by developing dimensions of satisfaction. Chi-square analyses were used to assess the relationships between satisfaction and patient factors. Results: Patients were satisfied with the initial health assessment (90%) and overall quality (86%). Only 59% of the patients were satisfied with phone interpreters. The general satisfaction dimension had a score of 4.05 on a scale of 5, while time spent with the doctor had the lowest score of 2.98. Having pre-arrival medical conditions was associated with poor satisfaction with both the initial health assessment (χ2=10.260; p=.036) and regular health services (χ2=4.550; p=.033). Conclusion: Although patients were generally satisfied with health services, improvements are recommended in different aspects of care to create a favorable environment of care and increase levels of satisfaction and trust with the healthcare system among refugee populations. © The Author(s) 2017.

Author Keywords

Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-PSQ Initial health assessment Refugee health care Patient satisfaction Refugee

Index Keywords

male case report female refugee health care system questionnaire cross-sectional study patient satisfaction chi square test human adult Trust

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85037041438&doi=10.1177%2f2010105817704207&partnerID=40&md5=ae1d5cb433eb4899cceca4615433c2e4

DOI: 10.1177/2010105817704207
ISSN: 20101058
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English