An Assessment of Quality of Care in Public Versus Private Hospitals in Benue State
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Background of the Study:
Quality of care is a fundamental aspect of healthcare service delivery that influences patient outcomes and satisfaction. In Benue State, there is a perceived disparity in the quality of care provided by public and private hospitals. Public hospitals often suffer from resource constraints, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and overcrowding, which may compromise the standard of care. Conversely, private hospitals, while generally better resourced, may not be accessible to the broader population due to higher costs (Chukwu, 2023). Patients' choice between public and private facilities is influenced by factors such as perceived quality, cost, and accessibility. Studies have shown that higher quality care is associated with improved health outcomes and lower mortality rates (Ibrahim, 2024).
In Benue State, the healthcare system is characterized by a mixed model where both public and private sectors play crucial roles. However, there remains a significant gap in the systematic evaluation of the quality of care across these sectors. Public hospitals often face challenges such as long waiting times, inadequate staffing, and shortages of essential medicines, whereas private hospitals may offer better patient experience and service quality but at a cost that is prohibitive for many. Understanding these differences is vital for policymakers aiming to improve the overall quality of healthcare and ensure equitable access for all residents (Fatima, 2025). This study will assess the quality of care provided in public versus private hospitals in Benue State by comparing key performance indicators such as patient satisfaction, treatment outcomes, and service efficiency.
Statement of the Problem:
In Benue State, disparities in the quality of care between public and private hospitals contribute to inequitable health outcomes among different socioeconomic groups. Public hospitals, which serve the majority of the population, often struggle with resource limitations, leading to longer waiting times, inadequate patient care, and lower overall satisfaction. In contrast, private hospitals generally offer higher quality services but are financially inaccessible to many residents (Umar, 2023). This discrepancy not only perpetuates health inequalities but also raises concerns about the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system in Benue State. The lack of comprehensive, comparative evaluations of quality of care between the two sectors hampers the development of targeted interventions to improve service delivery. There is an urgent need to understand how these differences impact patient outcomes and what strategies can be implemented to enhance the quality of care in public hospitals while ensuring that private healthcare remains accessible to all (Saleh, 2024).
Objectives of the Study:
- To compare the quality of care between public and private hospitals in Benue State.
- To evaluate patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes in both sectors.
- To recommend strategies for improving quality of care in public hospitals.
Research Questions:
- What differences exist in quality of care between public and private hospitals in Benue State?
- How do patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes compare between the two sectors?
- What interventions can enhance the quality of care in public healthcare facilities?
Research Hypotheses:
- H1: Private hospitals provide significantly higher quality care compared to public hospitals.
- H2: Higher quality care is associated with improved patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes.
- H3: Strategic investments in public healthcare infrastructure will narrow the quality gap.
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The study focuses on selected public and private hospitals in Benue State. Limitations include potential biases in patient self-reporting and variability in service delivery across facilities.
Definitions of Terms:
- Quality of Care: The degree to which health services for individuals increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes.
- Public Hospitals: Government-funded healthcare facilities.
- Private Hospitals: Healthcare facilities funded and operated by private entities.
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