Basic Accountability to Stop Ill-Treatment (BASI); Study Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial in Rural...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Patient Experience Studies
• Public Health Interventions

Background:

• Poor health system experiences disproportionately affect vulnerable populations globally.
• Evidence suggests disrespectful or abusive care is prevalent in East African healthcare.
• This study investigates community feedback mechanisms to improve patient experience in primary healthcare.

Observation:

• A cluster-randomized controlled trial involving 75 primary healthcare facilities in Tanzania.
• Interventions include private feedback and social recognition rewards based on patient experience surveys.
• Feedback focused on observable quality indicators within providers' control.

Findings:

• The study aims to provide evidence on the effectiveness of patient-reported feedback in improving interpersonal quality of care.
• It will assess the impact of feedback, with and without non-financial rewards, on patient dignity, autonomy, and communication.
• Mechanisms of effect will be explored through provider surveys.

Implications:

• Findings could inform strategies for enhancing patient satisfaction and healthcare quality in resource-limited settings.
• This research may guide the development of scalable interventions to address poor health system experiences.
• Results will contribute to understanding how patient feedback influences provider behavior and care delivery.