Improving Management of Non-communicable Chronic Diseases in Primary Healthcare Centres in The Saudi Health Care System

Abstract

Evaluation of patient perceptions of quality and adequacy of care is a critical component of continuous improvement in chronic disease care. The purpose of this study was to ascertain how patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) assess their routine care in primary care centres in Saudi Arabia and to identify areas for improvement. This cross-sectional study used the PACIC questionnaire to assess the quality of care received by these patients in primary care centres in Saudi Arabia. Data collection took place between May 2019 and July 2019. The questionnaire was self-completed anonymously by 315 patients with NCD attending primary health care centres in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The results showed that the average overall PACIC score was 2.97 (SD = 0.65), the mean scores for the subscales ranged from 2.76 (SD = 0.78) for the subscale of goal settings/tailoring to 3.17 (SD = 0.78) for delivery system design/decision support. PACIC scores varied significantly with age, occupation, monthly income, type and duration of chronic illness and educational attainment. In conclusion, patients with NCDs prioritised improvements in organised care that; is comprehensive, focussed on their needs, helps them identify clear goals for their treatments and become more involved in their condition(s) management.

Keywords: Health system; Saudi Arabia; non-communicable diseases care; perceived quality of care; primary healthcare.