Influence of Child-friendly Hospital Built Environment on Pediatric Patients' Satisfaction: A Case Study of Federal Medical Centre Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Abstract:- Organizations aiming to sustain client loyalty and satisfaction must prioritize the maintenance and enhancement of service quality. In healthcare settings, the built environment, a tangible aspect of physical evidence and one of the marketing mix 7Ps, has been shown to influence patients' perceptions of the quality of care and overall satisfaction. This study investigates the impact of a child-friendly hospital built environment on pediatric patients' satisfaction at Federal Medical Centre Keffi. While previous research has highlighted the significance of service quality and physical environment in enhancing positive healthcare experiences, empirical studies specifically examining the influence of child-friendly hospital built environments on pediatric patients' satisfaction in Nigerian healthcare settings are lacking. Using a survey-based cross-sectional research design, data was collected through structured questionnaires focusing on pediatric patients' perception of the hospital's child-friendly features and overall experience. The study findings reveal a significant association between the child-friendly hospital environment and pediatric patients' satisfaction. The study hypothesized five elements of the hospital built environment against Federal Medical Centre Keffi's pediatric patients' satisfaction, with all elements proposed to have a significant relationship with pediatric patients' satisfaction. The results of the multiple regression analysis of the relationships support four hypotheses, confirming a significant positive relationship between the child-friendly hospital built environment and pediatric patients' satisfaction. However, one hypothesis showed an insignificant positive association with pediatric patients' satisfaction, contrary to expectations. This study underscores the importance of overall child-friendly hospital design quality and performance in improving pediatric patients' satisfaction in Nigeria. By highlighting the impact of a child-friendly built environment on pediatric patients' satisfaction, this research contributes to addressing the deficient practice of pediatrics in Nigerian healthcare facilities. It emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to consider and prioritize child-friendly elements in their built environments to enhance the overall healthcare experience for pediatric patients.