• J J Napeñas, M L Nussbaum, M Eghtessad, and J M Zakrzewska.
• Department of Oral Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, P.O. Box 32861, Charlotte, NC 28232, USA. joel.napenas@carolinas.org
• Br Dent J. 2011 Dec 1;211(12):E24.

ObjectiveThe aim of this audit was to investigate complex chronic facial pain patients' satisfaction after an initial, comprehensive, 45-60 minute consultation visit.DesignProspective audit using a post-visit satisfaction survey.SettingSpecialised outpatient facial pain unit.MethodsA convenience sample of 50 consecutive new patients were recruited. History, pain and psychosocial functioning were assessed through standard, validated pre-visit questionnaires. A post-visit satisfaction questionnaire was sent (twice if necessary) to patients by mail, and non-responders were contacted by telephone.Main Outcome MeasuresPatients' satisfaction scores on pain management processes were evaluated.ResultsResponse rate for the questionnaire was 63% (32/50) and 12 additional patients who did not respond to the questionnaire replied by telephone. Among questionnaire respondents, mean overall patient satisfaction was 8.1 ± 2.2 on an 11-point scale (best score 10), with no differences based on age, gender, diagnosis, length of symptoms and treatment. There was a trend of higher overall satisfaction among patients referred by dentists and specialists. Patients who had seen at least one specialist before their visit reported higher scores in understanding the reasons for their condition and what to do to treat their condition.ConclusionsA consultation with adequate time for history taking, addressing patients' goals and thorough explanation accompanied by written information, results in high satisfaction among patients with chronic facial pain.

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