Waiting Time: Determinants and Parental Satisfaction in an Emergency Paediatric Unit in Owerri, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Prolonged waiting times in emergency rooms (ERs) are a global challenge and a key determinant of outcome in very sick patients and caregivers satisfaction, especially in paediatric care. Understanding the factors influencing the wait time is vital for improving service delivery, decrease severity of morbidity and consequent mortality amongst children. We sought to assess the factors associated with waiting times and the determinants of parental satisfaction in a paediatric ER. Methods A cross-sectional study conducted in the emergency paediatric unit of a Federal Tertiary health institution in Owerri Nigeria. Data on sociodemographics, illness characteristics, waiting times, and satisfaction levels were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed. Descriptive statistics was presented as percentages and frequency, chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis was performed. Results A total of 171 parents/guardians were recruited during the study period. The sick children brought in had a median age of 3 years, IQR: 16months − 7yrs, with male predominance at 55.0%, and 55.6% of mothers had higher education. Only 36.8% of respondents were informed of the estimated wait time. The median waiting time was not specified, but 64 (37.4%) were seen in < 10 minutes and 107 (62.6%) between 10–30 minutes. Multivariate analysis revealed that shorter waiting times were significantly associated with referral by medical personnel (aOR: 3.44, 95%CI: 1.41–8.36), arrival via ambulance (aOR: 0.04, 95%CI: 0.01–0.37), and being attended to by a Consultant (aOR: 6.15, 95%CI: 1.77–21.37). Notably, younger parental age 20–30 years and lower maternal education were also predictors of shorter waits. The severity of the child's illness was not significantly associated with waiting time (p = 0.443). Overall, 68.5% of parents were satisfied; satisfaction was primarily driven by quality of care and staff attentiveness, while dissatisfaction was predominantly due to delays reported by 31.7% subjects. Satisfaction was not significantly associated with any demographic variable. Conclusion Waiting times in EPU were influenced more by systemic and administrative factors (referral source, staff cadre, transport mode) and sociodemographic characteristics than by clinical perception. Improving triage protocols, communication about delays, and ensuring senior medical practitioners’ presence, continuous assessment of wait times could enhance efficiency and patient satisfaction.