Patient-Provider Interaction in Primary Healthcare Facilities in Tanzania: Findings from Star Rating Assessment

Abstract

Background: Effective patient-provider interaction plays a critical role in ensuring high-quality healthcare. Tanzania implemented the Star Rating Assessment (SRA) program since 2015/2016 to evaluate service delivery quality in primary healthcare (PHC). The SRA evaluates various aspects, including patient-provider interaction. This study analyzes data from the latest nationwide assessment conducted in 2017/2018 to provide insights into the status of Tanzanian facilities in this area and identify potential influencing factors. Methods: The quality of patient-provider interaction was assessed using five indicators: provider's friendliness, thorough history-taking, complete examination, effective communication of diagnosis and treatment, and sufficient time spent with the patient. Facilities scoring at least four indicators ( ≧80%) were deemed to have good interaction. Proportions of facilities with good interaction overall and for each indicator were determined. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the associations between good interaction and different characteristics of PHC facilities, including lo-How to cite this paper: Kinyenje, E.