Asian Journal of Orthopaedic Research

Background: Patient satisfaction is a critical indicator of healthcare quality and is increasingly used to evaluate service delivery, particularly in outpatient settings, where patient-provider interaction is central to care. However, satisfaction levels in specialised spine clinics in Nigeria remain poorly characterised.

Aims: This study assessed patient satisfaction with spine outpatient clinic visits at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Dala, Kano, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the spine outpatient clinic from January to March 2025. A total of 348 patients were recruited, of whom 342 completed the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 98.3%. Data were collected using a validated, interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the Picker Out-Patient Experience Survey. Satisfaction was measured across five domains: waiting time, doctor-patient communication, staff attitude, facility environment, and overall care.

Results: The mean age of respondents was 49.2±15.7 years, and 71.3% were attending follow-up visits. Overall patient satisfaction was 62.3%. Waiting time was the domain with the lowest satisfaction (28.9%), followed by facility environment (51.2%), whereas doctor-patient communication had the highest satisfaction (78.6%). Factors significantly associated with satisfaction included consultation duration (p<0.001), waiting time (p<0.001), and the patient’s perception of being listened to by the doctor (p<0.001). The doctor-patient ratio, estimated at 1:150 per clinic session, was identified as a major contributor to prolonged waiting times.

Conclusions: Patient satisfaction at the spine outpatient clinic was moderate, with significant deficiencies in waiting time and facility environment. Addressing staffing shortages, implementing appointment systems, and improving communication could enhance patient experience and outcomes.