A Study of Service Utilization and Client Satisfaction among Patients Attending a District Ayush Hospital in Karnataka

Abstract

Background : A multi provider health system comprising of modern as well traditional systems of medicine in the form of AYUSH is of paramount importance. Objectives: 1. To study the utilization of services by patients attending District AYUSH Hospital, Davangere. 2. To find out the client satisfaction among patients towards AYUSH services offered. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among 335 patients attending in District AYUSH Hospital, Davangere in February-March 2014. Data was gathered by direct patient interviews as well as hospital records. Descriptive statistics was done using percentages and proportions. Results: Among the services offered, ayurvedic treatment was mostly sought by the patients (45%). Neurological ailments were the commonest reasons for seeking treatment in ayurveda (48%), whereas it was musculoskeletal disorders in unani (20%); gastrointestinal disorders in homeopathy (22%) and non communicable diseases in yoga (30%). Only 3% of the patients were cross referred from allopathic practitioners to AYUSH. Overall, 41.8% of the patients were satisfied and 50.7% were very much satisfied with the AYUSH services provided in the District AYUSH Hospital. Conclusion: Majority of the patients were satisfied with the services offered by the District AYUSH hospital.