[Patient satisfaction, an important part of care: case of a surgical department in Niger].

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess patient satisfaction in the surgical emergencies department at the National Hospital of Zinder, Niger.

Materials And Method: This was a cross-sectional study focusing on patients admitted to the surgical emergency department of the National Hospital of Zinder (NHZ). The study was conducted over a period of 2 month - from July 1 to August 31, 2015. During a face to face interview, patients were asked a series of questions.

Results: Of the 227 patients surveyed, 54.62% (n=124) were satisfied with their experience of the surgical emergencies department. The main factors associated with high satisfaction scores were patient reception (OR: 0.27, 95% CI=0.14 to 0.52; p <0.001), and the management of symptoms (OR: 0.28, 95 % CI=from 0.14 to 0.58; p < 0.001). Dissatisfaction factors were: waiting time before receiving treatment (OR 16.57, 95% CI=8.52 to 32.23; P <0.0001), the environment (OR: 3.89, 95% CI=2.12 to 7.12; p <0.001), accessibility (OR: 5.85, 95% CI=2.54 to 13.46, p < 0.001) and poor staff-patient communication (OR, 13.76; 95% CI 6.54 to 28.98; P <0.0001).

Conclusion: Despite the shortcomings of the surgical emergencies department of NHZ, a good welcome and prompt patient management have been the key components associated with patient satisfaction.