Provider-Patient Engagement towards Better Patient Experience and Satisfaction in Type 2 Diabetes Care in Qatar
Background
Diabetes is a health challenge in Qatar and its complications adversely impact diabetic patients’ quality of life.1 Access to and availability of diabetes care services are essential support system for patients with diabetes towards better diabetes management.2 This study explored patient experiences of Type 2 diabetes mellitus on the level or type of diabetes care received from the healthcare providers and facilities in Qatar and identified gaps where services to diabetic patients could be improved.
Methods
A cross-sectional dynamic mixed methods study was conducted through face-to-face interviews using an English/Arabic pre-tested semi-structured survey among 53 Type 2 diabetic patients (Qatari nationals and long-term residents) and 21 healthcare practitioners from different healthcare facilities in Qatar (Figure 1) from August 2018 to March 2019.3 Informed consent and permission of relevant institutions were obtained. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Satisfaction rating used a 1-to 5-point Likert scale.
Results
The majority (81%) of Type 2 diabetic patients were highly satisfied with their diabetes care. More than two-thirds mentioned diabetes medication and accessories were available when needed, 62% are followed by the same physician for their diabetes care, and 42% received diabetes educational materials, whereas, only 21% have private health insurances (Table 1). However, one in six patients expressed dissatisfaction regarding difficulty in making appointments, seeing the same physician, the information provided regarding diabetes medication’s side effects, and the amount and type of exercise needed to control diabetes (Table 1).
Conclusion
These findings were instrumental to the National Diabetes Strategy and other diabetes care program implementers in Qatar in customizing strategies towards continuous provision of better services for diabetic patients especially along better access to appointments, enabling continuity of care through a Family Physician Model, and institutionalizing periodic patient satisfaction survey for continuous quality improvements.
History
Language
- English
Publisher
Hamad Medical CorporationPublication Year
- 2024
License statement
This Item is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.Institution affiliated with
- Hamad Medical Corporation
- Qatar Metabolic Institute - HMC
- Ministry of Public Health