Assessing patient satisfaction and healthcare delivery amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from Jammu and Kashmir, India.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Amidst the challenges posed by Covid-19, assessing healthcare quality in India is crucial, particularly through patient satisfaction levels. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey of 277 participants in Jammu and Kashmir was conducted, utilizing a semi-structured questionnaire and PSQ-18. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (v25) including Chi-Square tests and Descriptive analysis. RESULTS: Out of 277 participants, 70.8% expressed high satisfaction with medical care. Majority (70%) agreed that doctors explained medical tests well. Additionally, 70% strongly agreed that their doctor's office was well-equipped. Dissatisfaction factors were notably low. Significant associations were found between age and alcohol use (p = 0.041), gender and alcohol use (p = 0.007), gender and tobacco use (p = 0.032), and education level and vaccination (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study highlights high patient satisfaction during the pandemic. Improving accessibility and quality of primary healthcare and community centres is essential to meet patient needs effectively.