Satisfaction with intrapartum and postpartum hospital care among mothers delivering at Colombo North Teaching Hospital

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Institutional intrapartum care with skilled attendance at delivery has greatly contributed to the reduction of maternal mortality in Sri Lanka. Users' evaluations are important for continuous quality monitoring and further improvement of maternal care services. AIMS: The aims were to describe satisfaction with intrapartum and postpartum hospital care, and to determine sociodemographic and pregnancy related factors associated with satisfaction. Methods: A cross sectional analytical study was conducted in Colombo North Teaching hospital (CNTH) Ragama involving 422 postnatal mothers with uncomplicated birth outcome. Data were collected using an exit interview. Patient satisfaction with intrapartum and postpartum care was assessed using two composite scales covering five satisfaction dimensions. Sociodemographic and pregnancy related factors associated with patient satisfaction were determined by odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. Results: The majority of mothers were "satisfied" with intrapartum (90.3%) and postpartum (91%) care. Interpersonal aspects of care was the most satisfied dimension. Mothers were least satisfied with physical environment. Factors significantly associated with satistaction with ftoth intrapartum and postpartum care were intended pregnancy, multiparity, having received field antenatal care and vaginal delivery. Age > 30 years, delivery > 40 weeks of POA and postpartum hospital stay 1 - 3 days were significantly associated with intrapartum care satisfaction. Residing within 10km of CNTH, immediate skin to skin contact and initiation of breastfeeding within 30 minutes were significantly associated with postpartum satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Factors associated with maternal satisfaction identified in this study should be used to deliver a more patient centered service and gain patient satisfaction.