Predictors of Satisfaction with Wound Care Services in an Outpatient Setting in Kano, Nigeria

With the global increase in chronic wounds and the paucity of studies on patient experiences at wound care facilities, we assessed the factors associated with satisfaction with wound care services among patients or their caregivers in a Northwest Nigerian outpatient setting.

Participants were systematically selected from patients or their caregivers attending the General Outpatient Clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, for wound dressing. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and satisfaction with service domains. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

There were 170 participants. Their mean age was 31.9±11.4 years, and they were mainly female (55.3%). The overall satisfaction rate was 85.9% (146/170); however, 51.8% and 55.3% of participants were dissatisfied with the advice on home wound care and waiting time, respectively. Employment status, wound location, having sickle cell disease, needing a wheelchair to reach the wound dressing room and perceived availability of a wheelchair were associated with overall satisfaction (P<0.05). The predictors of overall satisfaction were chronic wounds, wound in areas other than the lower limbs/buttocks, and perceived availability of wheelchairs.

The overall satisfaction rate was high despite service gaps. However, future improvement in patient satisfaction will require addressing challenges such as the waiting time before wound dressing, equipment (e.g., wheelchairs), and staffing.