SATISFACTION OF OXYGEN THERAPY PILOT PROJECT IN TWO DISTRICT HOSPITALS, SAVANNAKHET PROVINCE LAO PDR

Abstract

This study aim to describe the satisfaction level of patient’s care takers, health care workers and influencing factors related to oxygen therapy in a pilot project in two district hospitals, Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. Qualitative and quantitative methods are used. A cross-sectional study was used to describe satisfaction with patient’s care taker. In-depth interviews and walk-through observation was use to describe satisfaction with health care workers. The sample was collected from January to April 2014 and included 50 patient’s care takers. The study revealed that overall the majority of patient’s care takers were satisfied with oxygen therapy provided by health care workers in two district hospitals with 80% satisfied and 20% with neutral satisfaction. Reused nasal prongs led to dissatisfaction among patient’s care taker with 38% satisfied, 24% neutral and 38% satisfied. Among patient’s care takers work as a farmer was associated with satisfaction (p-value < 0.05). Health care workers were satisfied with the oxygen therapy pilot project, especially, with the oxygen concentrator, and even with some minor problems with low flow of oxygen and alarm sounds. Through, observation, all concentrators and other equipment were functioning and in good maintenance in the hospital. In conclusion, the oxygen therapy pilot project produced satisfaction among patient’s care takers and health care workers in both district hospitals because it provided more benefits such as was cost effective and can provide for all patient needs in short term of oxygen therapy in acute respiratory infection like pneumonia, asthma but don’t have long-term of oxygen therapy like COPD in elderly patient. All ten concentrators were functioning and regularly used to provide oxygen to patients but regular cleaning of concentrators was required and the project needs to expand to other district hospitals to improve the health care system in Lao PDR.