Das Gesundheitswesen
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Das Gesundheitswesen · Jun 2006
[Patient satisfaction with outpatient/short stay operations in a practice clinic].
In a pilot scheme for outpatient/short-stay surgery in a practice clinic in Magdeburg, Germany, as well as medical indicators patient satisfaction was evaluated as part of its research programme. Typically, the recovery phase is transferred to the home environment. For this reason the practice clinic has little opportunity to observe the patient's post-operative course. Patient satisfaction, therefore, is a particularly important indicator in evaluating the quality of patient care in outpatient, generally elective, surgery. This study assessed patient satisfaction with the services offered by the practice clinic. The analysis also identified which determinants had significant impact on patient satisfaction in order to obtain information about reasonable measures for improvement. ⋯ The very high satisfaction scores, however, include criticism of detail and indicate scope for improvement. Negative reaction to the particularly relevant attribute "participation in decision-making" can markedly impair overall satisfaction. Patients' participation in their care has a special place with regard to patient satisfaction. The practice clinic intends to repeat the study as a part of its quality assurance programme.