Evaluation of Patient Experiences and Perceived Hospital Facilities in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Equitable access to healthcare facilities is a core principle of primary healthcare, and patient satisfaction has become central to evaluating service quality. Oral and maxillofacial conditions significantly affect quality of life, and the quality of hospital facilities, staff behavior, and service provision directly influence patient experience.
Objective: To evaluate patient experiences and assess the perceived hospital facilities, including clinical, physical, and support services, in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Dhaka Dental College and Hospital. 
Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2018 in the inpatient wards of the OMFS Department. A total 55 admitted patients and their attendants, who provided written consent, were selected through convenient sampling. Data were collected by a pretested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire covering demographic information and perceived clinical, physical, and support facilities.
Results: Participants had a mean age of 39.6±16.9 years. The average hospital stay was 15.3±9.8 days. Most patients reported daily doctor visits (65.5%) and courteous staff behavior (98.2%). All respondents confirmed adequate lighting and airflow, and 100% reported ward cleanliness, although only 67.3% found toilets clean. Investigations were not prioritized for 85.5% of patients, and only 14.5% received consistent pre- and post-operative meals. Overall, 43.8% of facilities were rated good, 25.0% moderate, and 31.2% poor, highlighting gaps in clinical and support services.
Conclusion: While basic infrastructure and staff conduct in the OMFS Department were satisfactory, deficiencies in clinical support, investigation prioritization, and perioperative services exist.

J. Contemp. Dent. Sci. 2026;14(1):9-13