Structure, Process, and Patient Satisfaction in Benin’s District Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Compliance with Care Standards, 2019

Abstract

Introduction: Quality of care is a public health issue affecting all countries worldwide. To ensure it, compliance with standards for the structure and processes of care is essential. The objective of our study was to assess compliance with structural and care process standards in Benin and to describe beneficiaries’ level of satisfaction. Study Method : It was a cross-sectional evaluative study examining adherence to structural and procedural standards of care in Benin. Data collection was conducted from April 29 to June 7, 2019, in twelve hospitals across Benin, covering the entire national territory. The study population comprised health facilities, equipment, healthcare providers, care recipients, and health services in the twelve (12) hospitals evaluated. The criteria were defined on the basis of normative documents published and validated by Benin. Results : In the hospitals evaluated, infrastructure construction standards were not met (34.22%). Materials and equipment were inadequate (33.86%), and human resources were insufficient across all occupational categories (32.14%). Normative documents were poorly known (21.82%) by the surveyed staff. Health care was only 25.11% accessible, although access was facilitated within hospitals (84.38%). The subcomponent assessing health status and patient needs was inadequate (36.35%). Few providers washed their hands with soap and water at all stages of care (14.17%). Patients were satisfied with their relationship with providers (81.42%) but were not satisfied with the extent of their involvement in the care they received (21.02%). They were also not satisfied with comfort in hospital wards and meals (50.30%). However, overall care was considered acceptable (67.49%). Conclusion: This study should be extended to all health facilities to improve compliance with standards, address gaps in the adequacy of infrastructure, equipment, and human resources, and strengthen staff training to ensure adherence to standards.