Oman’s Mobile Clinics Bridge Health Gaps in Disaster Zones and Remote Regions

In a landmark effort to address healthcare disparities in disaster-prone regions of Oman, a study led by the Emergency and Crisis Department of the Directorate General of Health Services in South Batinah, the Ministry of Health, Yasab School under the Ministry of Education, and Rustaq Hospital has brought into sharp focus the vital role of mobile health clinics (MHCs). Published in the Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, the study evaluates patient satisfaction with MHC services in the remote villages of Balad Seet and Yasab between July 2022 and April 2024. These clinics emerged as a lifeline for communities isolated by floods and natural calamities, making health care accessible when traditional facilities were out of reach. The findings bolster Oman’s Vision 2040 health objectives, which emphasize a decentralized and equitable healthcare system tailored to the unique needs of all citizens.

Strong Endorsement from the Ground

The study surveyed 180 residents, 92 from Balad Seet and 88 from Yasab, aged 16 and above, who had either personally used MHC services or had family members who did. An overwhelming 90.6% of participants rated their experience as satisfactory, while 9.4% reported good or highly satisfactory experiences. Notably, no responses indicated poor satisfaction. This strong approval suggests that MHCs are not only functioning effectively but are also well-received by the very communities they serve. These mobile units were especially critical during emergencies, having provided essential services to over 130 individuals who were unable to reach hospitals due to impassable roads and severe weather conditions. Their rapid deployment and operational efficiency underscore their potential as a permanent fixture in the nation’s healthcare system.

Measuring Patient Satisfaction Across Key Domains

Using the PSQ-18 (Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form), a validated Likert-scale tool, researchers evaluated seven domains of satisfaction: general satisfaction, technical quality, communication, interpersonal manner, financial aspects, time spent with physicians, and accessibility. The highest satisfaction was reported in accessibility and convenience (81.1%), followed by general satisfaction (78.3%) and communication (77.5%). Technical quality (70.8%) and financial aspects (69.3%) garnered moderate satisfaction, while interpersonal manner (65.6%) and time with physicians (61.9%) received the lowest scores, highlighting potential areas for further improvement.

Overall satisfaction averaged 72.8%, a strong indication of the effectiveness of MHC services. These scores reflect not only the clinics’ operational efficiency but also the trust they have cultivated among remote populations, who often experience neglect in national health initiatives.

Disparities Between Villages and Demographic Insights

While satisfaction levels were high across the board, residents of Balad Seet consistently reported better experiences compared to those from Yasab, especially in interpersonal interaction and technical quality. Interestingly, satisfaction with accessibility was similar in both locations, suggesting that physical barriers to clinic access are uniformly challenging. The differences may stem from variations in healthcare delivery quality, staff-patient interactions, or resource availability at the village level.

Demographic factors significantly influenced satisfaction outcomes. Older respondents, especially those aged 60 and above, expressed higher satisfaction in domains like communication and technical quality. Gender also played a role: males, particularly those from Balad Seet, were more satisfied with interpersonal aspects of care. Education appeared to have a nuanced effect, with diploma and bachelor’s degree holders reporting higher satisfaction compared to those with only school-level education or advanced degrees. Marital status showed some significance in influencing satisfaction related to technical quality and financial aspects, while the number of children had no notable impact.

Statistical Analysis Reveals Key Associations

The research team employed a mix of statistical tools, including chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA, and linear regression, to parse the data. These analyses confirmed the presence of significant associations between sociodemographic variables and patient satisfaction. The adjusted R² value of 0.089 indicated that while variables like gender, education, and location influenced satisfaction levels, other unmeasured factors, possibly cultural, emotional, or experiential, might also be at play.

Regression analysis found that gender and education level were significantly correlated with satisfaction, while age and location showed moderate but less definitive influence. These insights are valuable for tailoring healthcare delivery to better meet the needs of specific population segments, ensuring that MHCs continue to offer personalized and responsive care.

A Blueprint for Resilient Healthcare in Disaster-Prone Regions

This study reinforces the strategic importance of MHCs in delivering healthcare services to isolated and underserved communities during emergencies. Traditional fixed health centers, while essential, often fall short during natural disasters due to structural vulnerabilities and rigid service models. MHCs, by contrast, offer mobility, adaptability, and immediacy, qualities essential for resilient health systems. Staffed by qualified professionals and equipped with diagnostic tools, these clinics function as mobile hospitals capable of addressing both acute and chronic conditions.

The researchers advocate for a national expansion of MHC services, especially into tribal and other remote areas that suffer from persistent healthcare gaps. They also call for a “think resilience” framework within Oman’s emergency preparedness strategy, emphasizing mobile clinics as core elements in achieving the goals of Vision 2040. Despite the study’s limited geographic scope and sample size, its implications are far-reaching, prompting further research across more diverse settings to validate and scale up this model.

Ultimately, mobile health clinics are more than a stopgap measure; they are a scalable solution to some of the most pressing health access challenges of our time. By delivering care where it’s needed most, MHCs are setting the stage for a future where no citizen is left behind, no matter how remote their home or how severe the crisis.