Patient Satisfaction with Glaucoma Services Providers in Public Sector verses Private Sector

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to explore factors influencing glaucoma patients' satisfaction and medical care in public and private sector hospitals in Lahore.

Study Design: A comparative cross-sectional study.

Duration and Settings of the Study: From October to December 2023 in public and private sector hospitals in Lahore.

Method: The total sample size was 126, of which 63 were from the public sector and 63 were from the private sector. Participants above 30 years of age with a diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), ocular hypertension, or glaucoma suspect were included. Participants who had not yet started treatment were excluded. Data were collected using the PSQ-18 questionnaire. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS-26. Using the Chi-Square test, the P value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: In this study, most of the patients (61.4%) were satisfied with their medical care and with doctors' responses to their queries (p = 0.04). Among the participants, 18.2% showed concern about the availability of resources, the coldness of the doctor, the accuracy of the diagnosis, and the lack of clarity in the explanations of medical tests. The study found that doctors provide comprehensive care, ensuring patients receive glaucoma treatment without financial burden (p = 0.02). Financial difficulties were also a concern for 7.9% of patients.

Conclusion: Based on the PSQ-18, the overall satisfaction of glaucoma patients was good. The majority of glaucoma patients respond favorably to the present conventional, widely accepted style of therapy.