Date Posted: July 23, 2026

Author/s: Lyca Lorena Salucon, Leona Liza Leyesa, Jamie Rose Longoria, Elyz Terri Ann Lutap, Paula Marie Magpantay, Cris John Manalo, Patricia Mae Marayag, Yvette Geraldine Marquez, Trizha Clare Meñez, Ericka Oblepias, Stephanie Mae Paaño, Ivan Seymour Palpallatoc, Piolo Kyle Paulo, Margaux Beatriz Pucut, Al Raniai, Darren Nadski Regondola, Xylon Sherwood Reyes, Kenneth Carl Roque, Shairra Sarapuddin, Rholand Vince Senolos, Denise Christine Tablante, Jheannikyla Tiu Tan, Aniela Gabrielle Trinidad, Krizia Marie Valero, Christopher Neil Zerrudo, Abraham Daniel Cruz, MD

Background: Patient education is crucial in improving treatment adherence, disease self-management, and overall health outcomes, especially in outpatient settings where time constraints challenge effective communication. In countries like the Philippines, low health literacy and systemic barriers make these challenges worse.

Objective: This study aimed to assess outpatient department (OPD) patients’ perceptions of the quality of patient education provided in a private tertiary hospital and identify gaps in educational delivery using the AHRQ Health Literacy Patient Feedback Questionnaire.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 76 OPD patients using a Filipinotranslated and validated version of the AHRQ Health Literacy Patient Feedback Questionnaire. Respondents were selected through convenience sampling and were eligible if they could read and comprehend the questionnaire or were accompanied by a guardian who could. The tool covered 16 domains related to communication, cultural and language appropriateness, and medication understanding. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations). Results: Most patients expressed satisfaction with communication and respect shown by providers. However, 55.3% had difficulty understanding medical terms and 56.6% reported a lack of visual aids. Post-visit follow-ups, social needs assessment, and cost discussions were inconsistently addressed. Disparities were observed based on education, income, and insurance status.

Conclusion: Although the overall perception of patient education quality in the OPD was positive, gaps remain in areas such as personalized language support and medication review. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening patient-centered communication strategies and standardizing education practices across outpatient services. The insights can inform hospital policies and training to improve educational encounters and health outcomes.

Keywords: Perception, patient education, outpatient department