Assessment of Patients' Waiting Times and Healthcare Delivery at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assesses patient waiting times and healthcare delivery at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Rivers State, Nigeria. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey research design, data were collected through standardized questionnaires and interviews from 227 patients across various outpatient clinics including the Medical Records, General Out-Patient Department (GOPD), Medical Out-Patient Clinic (MOPC), National Health Insurance Scheme Clinic (NHISC), Dental Clinic (DC), and Ophthalmology Clinic (OC). The study aimed to understand the average waiting times, associated factors, and their impacts on healthcare delivery. Results indicate that a significant portion of patients (70.7%) waited 56 minutes or more to receive care. Factors such as workers' negative behavior, inadequate manpower, lack of computer skills among providers, and insufficient record filing space were identified as major contributors to prolonged waiting times. Data analysis using SPSS version 23 revealed a mean waiting time of 17.32 minutes and identified key factors affecting waiting times. The study highlights the need for interventions to address these factors to improve patient satisfaction and healthcare efficiency.