Improving the patient's experience in the emergency department during COVID-19 pandemic: a community-based analysis from Western Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Background Patient satisfaction is an important measure of the health care encounter. It is challenging to achieve a perfect patient experience during the current COVID-19 pandemic, especially from an emergency department visit. Aim This study aimed to assess the factors that improve patient experience during an emergency department (ED) visit in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Methods This is a cross-sectional study, conducted over a month from January to February 2021. Via an electronic survey tool, we used the de en (EQS-H) to measure patients’ satisfaction with their ED encounter. Results The total level of satisfaction was high in 43.66% (n=224) of participants, moderate in 37.04% (n=190), and 19.29% (n=99) were unsatisfied. We noted significant predictors of dissatisfaction, including increasing age, higher educational level, and the existence of chronic diseases. A clear treatment plan and discharge instructions were important determinants for improving patient satisfaction. Conclusion The determinants of patient satisfaction during an ED visit are an important quality marker of the emergency department encounter. Such findings should be used as a benchmark for future programs aiming to improve patients’ experience during ED visits.