Consumer grievance reporting in G.M.C. Hospital, Miraj

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality
• Patient Experience
• Medical Ethics

Background:

• Patient grievances are a critical indicator of healthcare service quality.
• Understanding patient dissatisfaction is essential for improving hospital services and patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the prevalence and types of patient grievances at G.M.C. Hospital, Miraj.
• To explore demographic and clinical factors associated with patient grievance reporting.
• To assess the potential for medical negligence among reported grievances.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 400 hospital consumers.
• Data collection on patient grievances and demographic/clinical characteristics.
• Analysis of grievance frequency and severity, including potential links to medical negligence.

Main Results:

• 91% of consumers reported at least one grievance.
• Higher grievance rates were observed in illiterates, lower social classes, indoor, and surgical patients.
• Younger patients (age < 15 and 31-45 years) and rural dwellers reported fewer grievances.
• Ten out of 38 grievances were deemed serious, with some suggesting potential medical negligence (e.g., post-operative complications, discharge without relief).

Conclusions:

• Patient grievances are highly prevalent at the study hospital.
• Socioeconomic status and patient type significantly influence grievance reporting.
• A subset of serious grievances warrants further investigation for potential medical negligence, highlighting areas for service improvement.