Journal Article

Assessment of Administrative Services in State Mental Health Hospitals Among Muslim Patients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Descriptive Study

Abu Hassan Shaari, Azahah

2024

Overview

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) leads mental health research in the Arabic world, addressing challenges for Muslim patients seeking treatment at hospitals. This study aims to evaluate the quality of administrative services at public mental health hospitals, as perceived by Muslim recipients in the KSA. This descriptive quantitative study used a self-reported questionnaire to collect data from 200 public mental health service recipients in the KSA from 4 January 2022 to 4 March 2022. More than 95% of participants were optimistic about the entry process procedures. Approximately 88% of the participants accepted the policies for booking an appointment with a doctor. The study’s findings highlight the need to streamline and improve the communication of administrative procedures to provide recipients with optimal clarity and convenience. By addressing the moderately reported issues with policy transparency related to visit cancellations, referrals, and treatment completion, patient satisfaction and compliance could be improved, leading to a more efficient and patient-centred healthcare experience. These findings underscore the importance of streamlining administrative procedures to enhance clarity and convenience for Muslim patients, ultimately contributing to a more patient-centred healthcare experience in mental health hospitals in the KSA.

• Subject: Health facilities / Health services / Hospitals / Islam / Mental disorders / Mental health care / Mental institutions / Muslims / Patient satisfaction / Sociodemographics