Assessing patient satisfaction with Sudanese doctors

Patients’ satisfaction has long been considered as an important factor when gauging health outcome and quality of care in both developed and developing countries (1) and constitutes a substantial indicator of the health care quality (2). Researches have shown that satisfied patients are more likely to develop a good relationship with the health system, leading to improving compliance, continuity of care and ultimately better health outcome (3). Identification of patient’ needs and evaluation of the health services provided are the starting points of a patient-centered approach in providing health care (4). In recent years, the health system of Sudan has undergone some reforms and has established an extensive health infrastructure in both the public and private sectors (5). In Sudan, people of different social classes take treatment from different health providers such as public, private, and military hospitals for different reasons including economic condition, health knowledge, and socio-demographic determinants. Cultural practices may influence people to choose the particular healthcare service providers.