Assessment of Delays in Healthcare Services among Patients Visiting Public Hospitals in District Attock

Abstract

Introduction: Pakistan is struggling with a wide range of health difficulties. There is a crisis in the healthcare system because of a severe scarcity of medical personnel, inadequate funding, and antiquated facilities. Therefore, patients frequently experience inefficient service delivery, lengthy wait times, and gaps in healthcare. This Study examines the serious problem of medical treatment delays and their effects in the area of Attock District, Pakistan. Objective: This study aims to determine the major causes of delays in provision of health care services to the patients and improve the overall health care services. It also assesses the association of demographic variables with major delays in healthcare services. Methodology: This cross-sectional study sampled 384 patients from Public Health care facilities of Tehsil Jand, district Attock. Questionnaire included demographic variables and questions on delays in seeking, reaching and receiving primary healthcare using a yes or no response. Chi-square test was used to find association of demographic variables with outcome variable. Results: The sample consisted of 37.8% males. Nearest healthcare facility for majority of respondents (71.4%) was THQ hospital and 58.6% reported that it took less than half an hour to reach THQ hospital. Majority of the respondents (70.6%) did not visit healthcare facility due to delay in decision-making and 36.7% could not reach healthcare facility due to delay in getting transport. Monthly income, time to reach healthcare facility, nature of transport (personal or public) and distance of healthcare facility from home were significantly associated with delay in decision-making (p<0.05). Conclusion: This research highlights the critical need for focused measures to speed up access to healthcare in District Attock. Implications for healthcare policy, practice, and resource allocation are examined in light of the study's findings. Recommendations include investing in infrastructure enhancements, better communication between healthcare personnel and patients, and managing patient flow more efficiently. Keywords: Healthcare services delays, Delay in seeking healthcare, District Attock, patient satisfaction, healthcare outcomes, resource allocation, patient flow management