Perception of Quality of Care of Medical Imaging Services at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (Kbth)

Abstract

Background: The volume and complexity of medical imaging are steadily increasing with technological advances, workforce shortage, workload escalation and globalization. These factors could be potential threats to quality of care. Therefore assessing clients’ perception of the quality of care of medical imaging services at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital will help ensure optimum effectiveness of care, combat any trend in commoditization of services and to inform policy on appropriate strategies to address quality of care challenges. General Aim: The general aim of the study was to assess the clients’ perception of the quality of care of medical imaging services at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Methodology: This research was a descriptive cross-sectional study using a mixed-method design (quantitative and qualitative) within the Donabedian healthcare evaluation framework and the dimensions of quality of health care. Structured questionnaire and In Depth Interviews (IDIs) were used. This was to improve the accuracy of judgements by collecting quantitative and qualitative data for triangulation of results. A total of 203 (191 quantitative and 12 qualitative) clients above 18 years of age who were receiving medical imaging service(s) at the imaging department KBTH took part in the study. Quantitative data were analysed using STATA Version 13. Descriptive analysis, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were carried out. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results/Findings: The quantitative results show that there were constraints with inputs, process and outcome elements of medical imaging services. The results further show that the dimensions of quality: capacity and sustainability, timeliness, safety, equity, patient- centredness and effective communication were significantly (p<0.001) related to perceived quality of care. Additionally, demographic characteristics did not count in the final multivariate logistic regression. Imaging procedures clients undergo were statistically significant (p<0.047) in relation to clients’ perception of quality of care. The qualitative findings revealed low perception of quality of care in relation to all the dimensions. Conclusion: The study concludes that the overall perception of quality of care by clients accessing medical imaging services at the Korle Bu Teaching hospital was low compared to the Standard Operating Procedures of the medical imaging department. Further, all the various dimensions as well as the imaging procedure types recorded low quality of care.