Abu Dhabi: The majority of people are happy with the quality of medical facilities provided in the emirate, according to the latest patient satisfaction survey.

The survey conducted by the Abu Dhabi health authority has found a higher level of satisfaction among Abu Dhabi’s residents this year compared with the level of satisfaction found in similar surveys carried out in countries like the UK and the USA.

More than 38,000 people in Abu Dhabi were interviewed for the survey, with the interviews being carried out by an independent organisation commissioned by the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (Haad), using internationally recognised methods.

The results showed that overall patient satisfaction in Abu Dhabi stands at 8.57 out of 10, with in-patient care satisfaction at 83 per cent, a higher satisfaction percentage than countries such as the UK (76.9) and Singapore (78.0).

When it came to outpatient satisfaction among Abu Dhabi residents, the number stood at 86 per cent, which again comes higher than the UK (79.2), Singapore (77.4), and New Zealand (80.2).

Patient satisfaction with emergency services was also high with 84 per cent of Abu Dhabi residents satisfied with the emergency services in the emirate.

Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of Haad, said that the survey helps the health authorities in Abu Dhabi identify areas for improvement. “Haad is striving to improve quality of health-care services provided to citizens and residents in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Patient satisfaction is a key index in evaluating and improving quality of health care. It is also crucial for all hospitals in determining the continuity of patient access to all health-care services they provide.

“The findings of the patient satisfaction study will continue to improve performance and efficiency of the health-care sector. They reflect the perception on quality of health care provided in the emirate and identify areas for improvement. Patients’ involvement and participation is fundamental in improving services and aids in raising overall satisfaction,” he said.

Al Khaili also mentioned that there was no limit to improvement, which would continue every year, and that the UAE’s health services have come a very long way in only 42 years, with challenges still remaining just like any other country.

Dr Maha Taysir Barakat, Director-General of Haad, said, “Such questionnaires contribute in setting a contemporary assessment of the quality and safety of health-care services. They also help health-care facilities raise overall quality standards and contribute to strengthening patients’ confidence in the health system. The quality management process in health-=care services requires various activities such as measuring results, continuous auditing and review of clinical activities, medical records and many others.”

Areas that patients wanted to see an improvement were the check and registration process, which scored the lowest when it came to overall satisfaction. Respondents also wanted an improvement in the hospital discharge process, as well as the arrangements for medicines during discharge.

The waiting period at pharmacies in public and private hospitals was also an area in which residents wanted to see an improvement.

Among the people surveyed in Abu Dhabi, 40 per cent were citizens, with the rest being expatriate residents.