Ensuring patient satisfaction with second-trimester abortion in resource-poor settings

Objective: To evaluate patient satisfaction with the new second-trimester abortion services in Nepal. Method: Depending on the patient's literacy level, a questionnaire was read and filled out by the patient herself or by an interviewer. Indicators were developed and assessed to determine the patient's experience of the services, focusing on her physical, emotional, and social comfort. Results: Satisfaction was found to be high for characteristics associated with counseling and the caring attitude of the physician. However, dissatisfaction was expressed regarding some aspects of the delivery of care, especially the lack of privacy and confidentiality and the absence of a support person from the patient's own family. Conclusion: The patients described privacy, confidentiality, and a support person designated by them as factors that would greatly contribute to their satisfaction with the services. Maximizing patient satisfaction is necessary for the program's success but will be challenging. (C) 2009 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.