Published date: Sep 27 2023

Journal Title: Sudan Journal of Medical Sciences

Issue title: Sudan JMS: Volume 18 (2023), Issue No. 3

Pages: 391–401

DOI: 10.18502/sjms.v18i3.14092

Salah Alshagrawisshagrawi@gmail.comDepartment of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, Saudi Arabia

Ahmed Nasser Al-luhaymDepartment of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, Saudi Arabia

Objective: Primary healthcare is a comprehensive approach to ensuring universal access to essential healthcare services. The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has developed health-related objectives to enhance the accessibility of healthcare services and refining its policies. However, certain obstacles may impede the delivery and accessibility of healthcare, particularly to primary healthcare centers. The current study explored the variables associated with the accessibility of primary healthcare services in the context of Saudi Vision 2030. In particular, the research focused on examining the organizational and doctor-patient communication factors that are linked to primary healthcare accessibility. Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, an electronic questionnaire is used to collect data from patients visiting the primary healthcare facilities located within the second health cluster in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Results: The findings indicate that the organizational factors that have the greatest influence on primary healthcare accessibility are the proximity of the primary healthcare centers, the rapid and convenient nature of the registration and payment procedures, the cleanliness, design, and clarity of the facility, and the availability of up-to-date technologies and equipment. As for the factors affecting access to primary healthcare in doctor-patient communication, the most notable factors include the provision of respectful treatment by the doctor toward patients, attentive listening to patients’ concerns and questions, and clear explanation of treatment plans and outcomes. Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrated the effect of several factors on primary healthcare accessibility, which will benefit the policymakers in healthcare planning in Saudi Arabia to improve the quality and accessibility to primary healthcare centers.

Keywords: primary healthcare, access to care, healthcare quality, organizational factors

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