Cancer patients’ satisfaction toward health services provided by non-governmental organizations

Background Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) play a significant role for cancer patients in Egypt and helping to build capacity for cancer prevention, treatment, and improve access to care. Patient satisfaction has long been considered as an important indicator when measuring health outcomes of care. Aim The aim of the study was to assess cancer patients’ satisfaction toward health services provided by non-governmental organizations. Design A descriptive exploratory research design was utilized in this study. Setting Three NGOs were selected randomly from all cancer organizations at Cairo governorate. Sample A purposive sample of 100 cancer patients chosen by specific inclusion criteria. Tool for data collection A structured interviewing questionnaire that consisted of three parts was used to collect data pertinent to the study. First part: personal data of patients. Second part: data about the level of social relationships (communication) regarding cancer patients. Third part: data about patient’s satisfaction toward service offers by NGOs. Results More than two-thirds of patients were satisfied with the overall services provided by NGO. Also, the majority of patients were satisfied with services in Bahia Foundation, then satisfied with Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt, and the last one was Association of Friends of the National Cancer-free initiative. A highly statistical difference in patients’ satisfaction toward health services was provided by NGOs according to their sex. Conclusion The study concluded that more than two-thirds of patients were satisfied with the overall services provided by NGO services, the majority of cancer patients in Bahia Foundation have satisfaction about the services provided. Recommendation Based on the study results, it is recommended to develop a health-education program for cancer patients and their community to raise the awareness about nongovernmental services for cancer patients about how to involve them in organization’s services.