Patient Satisfaction

According to a recent study in the Journal of Healthcare Management, patient satisfaction is a critical part of the quality outcomes for patients. Quality is often measured with structure, process and outcomes. Outcomes include such traditional measures as mortality, morbidity and functional improvements. Patient satisfaction is also part of this dimension.

The graphs below show trended performance of the physician sections of each of the patient satisfaction surveys to date. In many areas, we are functioning below the desired level of care. There is still a quarter left to improve these numbers in order to make goal.

What are some things you can do to improve patient perception of care? A few things that take minimal time, but produce optimal results are as follows:

- Initial eye contact with patient and their family members
- Sit down at eye level with patient
- Introduce yourself and your role in their care
- Provide thorough explanation of your diagnosis and treatment plan
- Ask if the patient has any questions

(Click on image to enlarge)