A Study Of Hospital Visitors′ Policy In A Large Tertiary Care Superspeciality Hospital

Abstract

Research questions: Is there a need to bring about reforms in the hospital visitors policy in tertiary care public sector hospitals? Objectives: 1. To study the problems faced by the Hospital Management due to over-crowding of visitors. 2. To study the problems of the visitors during their visit to the hospital. 3. To elicit the opinion of visitors regarding hospital visitors policy. 4. To suggest remedial measures for this problem. Study design: Cross-sectional; interviews based on semistructured questionnaire. Settings: Large superspeciality tertiary care hospital in Delhi. Participants: Attendants of admitted patients age more than 15 years. Sample size: 100 attendants (80 males and 20 females). Study variables: Age, sex, occupational status, family income, visiting hours, passes, visitor’s policy etc. Statistical analysis: Simple proportions and percentages. Results: Majority of the attendants were males (80%), literate and government servants belonging to the middle or lower middle class. About 70% had valid entry passes, but were not satisfied with the functioning of Medical Social Service Unit and Central Admission and Enquiry Office. 96% attendants were aware of increased infection in patients due to more visitors and 80% wanted two passes per patient. More than 50% were aware of visiting hours and wanted a clear-cut visitors policy in public hospitals.