Evaluation of Utilization and Satisfaction of Patients towards Pharmaceutical Services in Hospitals: A Descriptive Study from Al-Jouf Region of Saudi Arabia

Background: It is essential to measure pharmaceutical services in order to identify areas of
weakness and implement corrective measures. This study aimed to measure the utilization of
pharmaceutical services in hospitals in Al-Jouf region of Saudi Arabia and to assess the satisfaction
of patients towards these services. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Saudi
Arabia in Al-jouf area between January and July 2022 via an online structured survey. A structured
and validated data collection form was used to assess the study objectives. Results: There were
a total of 201 participants. 57.5% indicated that information on the correct use of medications
was provided orally and in writing, while 81% indicated that consultations were the most
common type of pharmaceutical service provided. 54% of them reported that the medications
were available at the pharmacy, and 86% reported that all of their health-related queries were
answered. More than half of the participants rated the pharmacy services as eight or higher
out of ten, where ten represents the best pharmacy services available. Conclusion: Most of the
participant's were satisfied for pharmaceutical services in hospitals in Al-Jouf area. The weakness
points was obvious in this study in the unproviding of information on the correct way to store
medicines and the unmasking the patients about their health condition and diagnosis while
administering the medicine.