Single point approach for a successful and satisfactory patient care

Abstract

Background: Vacant posts of medical officers at primary health care level leads to overburdening at secondary and tertiary care levels, compromising the quality of health care delivered. Objective: The following study aims to find out whether a single point approach for patients at secondary and tertiary care levels will be successful in treating as well as satisfying the patients. Methods: All patients registered at general OPD of the hospital between 10am-11am were included in the study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were treated by the junior residents posted in the department of community medicine under supervision of a faculty member which involved examination, investigation and treatment of the patient by the junior resident himself after requisite training. Patient feedback was taken at different points and the total time involved per patient was noted and analysed. Results were analysed based on patients' feedback, time involved in treating, number of patients returning for follow-up and their willingness to return to the same hospital for future health problems. Results: 2531 patients were seen in the general OPD. 69.7% returned for follow-up and of these, 69.9% were successfully treated by the junior residents. Referrals were required in only 30.1% of the patients. 67.6% of the total patients expressed satisfaction with the health care services given by the junior residents. Conclusion: Provision of single point health care by junior residents is a successful and satisfactory approach for community health services.

Keywords

• patient satisfaction
• successful treatment
• single point
• tertiary care hospital
• general opd