SLE patient satisfaction with care in Jordan: A single-center study.

Abstract

Introduction: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multi-systemic autoimmune disease that mainly affects young females. SLE's chronicity and high level of complications yield frequent clinic visitations & hospital admissions, increasing the necessity to investigate the healthcare system and improve patient satisfaction and quality of life.

Objective: This study aimed to understand SLE patients' points of view on the healthcare system in Jordan, especially given the chronic nature of the disease. With a clearer understanding, improvements can be made to benefit both the patients and the healthcare system.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 79 patients following up at the University of Jordan Hospital, rheumatology clinics were interviewed over the phone.

Result: The majority of patients were satisfied overall with the treatment services and medications as rated on a Likert scale of 1-5 (4.28 ± 1.01 and 4.19 ± 0.96, respectively) despite a quarter of patients complaining of adverse effects from the medications. The use of oral corticosteroids was significantly associated with a lower General Satisfaction Rate (p = 0.050), while high income (1000 Jordanian Dinars and above) and fatigue contributed to a lower Medication Satisfaction Rate (p = 0.016 and 0.000, respectively). A good physician-patient relationship was the most commonly cited reason for general satisfaction (73.4%) and was positively associated with the general (p = 0.000) and medication satisfaction (p = 0.004) rates.

Conclusion: SLE patients perceived high satisfaction rates despite adverse effects and symptoms. These higher satisfaction rates were seen predominantly due to good physician-patient relationships.