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Clinical audits
Ref Number: APCP-PP-123

Better Experience, Better Care: Improving Caregiver Satisfaction in the Paediatric Ward Services at Maternity and Children’s Hospital, Kalutara

Dissanayaka Mudiyanselage Shalini Minoli Dissanayaka¹, MHSM Hassan¹, SR Bopitiya¹, RJMKA Jayasundara¹, KAHS Jayasooriya²
1- Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka 2- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Corresponding Author: Dissanayaka Mudiyanselage Shalini Minoli Dissanayaka (shali.d.mino@gmail.com)
Abstract Body
Introduction: Caregiver satisfaction is a key indicator of quality paediatric inpatient care. Improving communication, ward environment, and accessibility of information can enhance service experience. Objective: To improve caregiver satisfaction with paediatric ward services to at least 85% within six months through a wardbased quality improvement initiative. Methods: A pre-post interventional Quality Improvement study was conducted over six months from August 2025 to January 2026 in the paediatric ward in Maternity and Children’s Hospital, Kalutara. Baseline caregiver satisfaction was assessed during the first two months using a 20- item questionnaire among 120 caregivers. Interventions were implemented over the next two months, including staff education on effective communication, display of a ward information board, and establishing a dedicated daily time for caregivers to interact with the healthcare team and discuss their concerns. Post-intervention satisfaction was assessed among 150 caregivers using the same questionnaire. Results: Overall caregiver satisfaction improved from 53% (64/120) at baseline to 86% (129/150) post-intervention (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were observed in specific domains: nurses explained procedures before performing them (43% to 88%, p < 0.001), prompt provision of medical care after admission (55% to 84%, p < 0.001), information about medicines and possible side effects (30% to 75%, p < 0.001), and caregiver involvement in treatment decisions (47% to 70%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The ward-based QI interventions significantly improved caregiver satisfaction. Better communication, a more supportive ward environment, and regular parent–staff interaction proved to be simple, low-cost ways to improve paediatric inpatient care.
Keywords: Caregiver satisfaction; Ward services; Maternity
Presentation Type: Clinical audits
Disclaimer: The Views and opinions expressed in the articles are of the authors and not of the journal.
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