This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Assessment of satisfaction with care after inpatient treatment for oesophageal and gastric cancer. BJS 2004; 91: 719-723.
Published: 29th March 2004
Authors: V. Kavadas, C. P. Barham, M. D. Finch‐Jones, J. Vickers, E. Sanford, D. Alderson et al.
Background
Patients' views are becoming increasingly important in the current health system. They provide information on effectiveness of healthcare and how it may be improved. This study aimed to measure patients' satisfaction with care received for treatment of oesophageal and gastric cancer, and to identify areas that contribute most to overall satisfaction scores.
Method
Consecutive inpatients with oesophageal and gastric cancer treated in one surgical unit were recruited prospectively during a 2‐year period. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer ‘satisfaction with in‐hospital care’ questionnaire (QLQ‐SAT32) was completed following discharge. Scores ranged from 0 to 100 for each satisfaction scale. Univariable and multivariable analysis was used to define the relationships between the different dimensions of satisfaction with care and the overall score.
Results
Ninety‐one patients (mean age 67 years, 60 men) completed the questionnaire a mean of 40 days after treatment. The highest scores were for doctors (mean 72), nurses (mean 67) and overall satisfaction (mean 68). Univariable analysis showed that all dimensions of satisfaction with care contributed significantly to overall satisfaction (P < 0·001). Multivariable analyses, however, showed that most of the variation in overall satisfaction could be attributed to levels of satisfaction with doctors, nurses, and hospital comfort and cleanliness.
Conclusion
Satisfaction with care in these surgical patients was high and could be measured using a multidimensional instrument. Overall satisfaction was not influenced equally by all aspects of care. The strongest contributors to overall satisfaction in this study were doctors, nurses and hospital cleanliness. Copyright © 2004 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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