Patient satisfaction of hand therapy services.

STUDY DESIGN

This study utilized a cross-sectional cohort design that used survey techniques for data collection.

INTRODUCTION

Patient satisfaction is becoming increasingly important in the health care field; however, it is typically evaluated with the use a single question. Patient satisfaction encompasses numerous aspects that should be considered on evaluation.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to determine if the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form (PSQ-18) is an appropriate outcome measure to determine patient satisfaction for people receiving hand therapy services and to determine mean satisfaction scores of participants.

METHODS

Participants (n = 123) who received hand therapy services from an outpatient hand therapy center and a health care institute were obtained via a convenience sample. The PSQ-18, adapted for hand therapy, was used to assess patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

The mean satisfaction score was 1.81 (SD = 1.26). The following patient satisfaction subscales were also evaluated: general satisfaction, communication, technical quality, interpersonal manner, time spent with therapists, accessibility and convenience, and financial aspects.

DISCUSSION

Eighty percent of participants were satisfied with the therapy services they received. Patient satisfaction is complex, involving a multitude of components and thus must be evaluated in a manner that considers its multidimensional aspects.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that the PSQ-18 adapted for hand therapy is an appropriate outcome measure to determine patient satisfaction for people receiving hand therapy as it evaluates multiple subscales of the phenomena.