Syed Sajid Mehmood Ghias.
Integrated OPD complex in Tertiary Care Hospitals - A feasibility study.
J Rawal Med Coll Jan ;7(2):82-8.

Background: To ascertain feasibility of construction of an integrated OPD Complex in tertiary care hospitals with allied facilities under one roof. Methods: To determine the feasibility of constructing a model OPD complex in tertiary care hospitals and to achieve the assigned objectives a two-dimensional study was conducted. On one hand, on ground study was conducted of OPDs of SHIFA International Islamabad, Rawalpindi General Hospital, Holy Family Hospital, District Headquarter Hospital, CMH and MH Rawalpindi. On the other hand to validate these findings an opinion survey was carried out through a suitably designed questionnaire to administrators, specialist officers and Medical Officers of various OPDs. Patients/attendants were also interviewed in the OPDs of RGH, HFH, & DHQ Rawalpindi. The information was sought on existing setup of OPD complex of hospitals, inadequacies and shortcomings requiring improvements, functioning of Central Registration System and feasibility of providing all essential services under one roof. Also the outpatient workload of tertiary care hospitals was collected to determine the existing and futuristic trends. Senior administrative officers were also visited to incorporate their viewpoint. Result: Ground observations in various tertiary hospitals revealed certain inadequacies and shortcomings. Opinion survey validated the findings of ground observations. Vast majority of administrators and specialists favoured the construction of a modern OPD Complex incorporating OPDs, specialist clinics and auxiliary facilities under one roof. Conclusion: Provision of these facilities under one roof will ensure prompt health care delivery as urgently as possible with little effort on the part of patients. Provision of spacious, airy and clean waiting areas along with allied facilities, will help the patients to wait comfortably for their turn. The compact OPD will cater for needs of both the clientele and health care providers, which will result in more satisfied patients, and dedicated health care providers.

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