Utilization Pattern of General Medicine Services in OPD Department of a Multispecialty Hospital - A Case Study

Abstract

Background: Outpatient departments (OPDs) are a key component of hospital service delivery and often serve as the first point of contact for patients seeking healthcare. Understanding patterns of OPD utilization is essential for assessing service demand, planning staffing, and allocating resources effectively. This study examined the utilization pattern of General Medicine and selected subspecialty services in a multispecialty hospital in Kathmandu.

Methods: A retrospective descriptive analysis was conducted using routinely available OPD data for three fiscal years: FY 2080/81, FY 2081/82, and FY 2082/83. Data from Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Pulmonology, Endocrinology, and Gastroenterology services were analyzed using frequency and percentage.

Results: The total utilization was 34,066, 35,509, and 34,117 visits respectively. Internal Medicine accounted for the largest proportion of visits 37.74%, followed by Gastroenterology 22.21%, Pulmonology 16.17%, Cardiology 12.64%, and Endocrinology 11.24%. General Health Checkup attendance increased from 998 to 1,090 during the study period.

Overall utilization remained relatively stable, with a 4.2% increase followed by a 3.9% decrease. The findings indicate substantial demand for medicine-related OPD services and highlight the importance of regular utilization analysis for workforce planning, resource allocation, and improving outpatient service delivery.