Client Satisfaction of the Reformed Health Services at Rural Health Units / Centers

Background: Client satisfaction may be considered to be one of the desired outcomes of care, even an element in health status itself. It is futile to argue about the validity of patient satisfaction as a measure of quality. Aim: This study amid to identify the effect of quality management system on client satisfaction of the health services at Rural Health Unit/ Center. Design: Ex post facto research design was used in this study. Setting: The study was conducted in two health care units and two health care centers affiliated to Ashmoon and Shebin Elkom which were randomly selected. Sample: A simple random sample of 400 clients from the selected settings was included in this study. Tools: Interviewing questionnaire sheet was used to measure client satisfaction about the health services at the Rural Health Units and Health Centers and observational checklist using the accreditation tool: It was developed by Ministry of Health & Population and used by the researcher to measures the quality of the health services in the pre mentioned units and health centers. Findings: The majority of the studied clients were females. Regarding satisfaction from privacy during consultation, all the studied clients in Ashmoon were satisfied compared to 54% in Kafer Tanbedy unit. In addition, 34% and 16% of the studied sample reported no physical examination in Kafr Tanbedy health unit and Shanshour unit respectively. The majority of the clients in the unit and health centers were satisfied from the quality of services at the lab and the pharmacy. The majority of the studied sample suggested availability of a specialist and female gynecologist, also, availability of medication; sonar and operating room were suggested. Conclusion: quality management system has had positive implications regarding client satisfaction in most studied areas. Recommendation: Recruit female Gynecologists and social specialist in the units and health centers. Allocate more resources for providing X ray etc. More supervision and continues monitoring is required. Further research is recommended to include health care personal (nurses, physician and worker).