| Abstrakt: |
Ensuring equitable access to healthcare is a complex, multi-dimensional health challenge. This study, employing a quantitative cross-sectional approach, evaluated the quality of healthcare services at private facilities within the Thulamela Local Municipality in Limpopo Province, with a focus on patient satisfaction. It involved 244 patient volunteers who were selected using a convenience sampling scheme from all 15 private healthcare facilities in the region. The findings indicated general satisfaction with healthcare services in Thulamela yet highlighted the need for improvements in areas such as receptionist service, facility cleanliness, and aspects concerning facility location, cost, and service efficiency. The research shed light on the obstacles to healthcare access in rural South Africa and explored patient opinions on issues like medical aid and consultation fees. It underscored the necessity of giving priority to elderly patients and pointed out the crucial influence of pricing, staff interaction, and cleanliness on patient satisfaction. The study recommended enhanced training for support staff and upholding hygienic conditions within healthcare facilities. The study called for broader research to better healthcare services in rural locales, suggesting significant policy changes focused on staff performance, healthcare affordability, and cleanliness. It also recommended extending similar research across different rural areas in various provinces and advocated employing mixed-methods research for a deeper insight into healthcare quality in rural settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
