Assessment of Satisfaction Levels Among Patient Attendants of In-Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Northern India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Patient attendants play a crucial role in the healthcare delivery system, yet their satisfaction levels and challenges remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to assess the satisfaction levels of patient attendants regarding hospital facilities and care services. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Tertiary Care Hospital, Bathinda, Punjab, involving 110 patient attendants selected through convenient sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic information, satisfaction with hospital facilities for attendants, and satisfaction with patient care services. Results: The majority of respondents (70%) were male, with 39% aged 31-40 years. Most participants (62%) were from rural areas, and 89% were blood relatives of patients. High satisfaction rates were observed for pharmacy services (100%), security services (95%), payment services (95%), and cleanliness (92%). However, night stay facilities showed lower satisfaction (50%). Overall satisfaction with healthcare worker behavior was 89%. Conclusion: While overall satisfaction levels were high, specific areas including night stay facilities, parking arrangements, and waiting areas require improvement to enhance the experience of patient attendants. Key words: Patient attendants, satisfaction assessment, tertiary care hospital, healthcare quality, family-centered care