Study objective: To evaluate patient satisfaction at discharge and 30 days after day surgery, and to identify predictive factors of patient satisfaction.
Design: Observational, prospective study.
Setting: Day surgery unit of a university hospital.
Patients: 251 consecutive patients, aged 43 +/- 15 years (56.6% women), scheduled for day surgery.
Interventions: Patients were asked to answer a questionnaire.
Measurements: Patients' level of satisfaction was recorded in relation to different variables, using questions of demographics, logistics, and those relating to surgery.
Main results: Over 95% of patients were satisfied with their care at both interviews; 74.5% of patients were completely satisfied at the discharge time; and only 62.4% had the same opinion 30 days after the surgery (P < 0.01). Postoperative pain control [odds ratio (OR) = 1.6], waiting time for surgery (OR = 1.4), and patient changing room conditions (OR = 1.3) were the most important factors influencing patient satisfaction at the time of discharge. Clinical outcome (OR = 3.2), clinical information (OR = 1.6), and postoperative pain control (OR = 1.3) were the main factors affecting patient satisfaction 30 days after surgery.
Conclusions: Overall satisfaction following day surgery was at least 95% at discharge and at 30 days. However, complete satisfaction was present only in 75% at discharge and decreased to 62% at 30 days. Clinical outcome was strongly related to patient satisfaction at 30 days after surgery. Factors directly controlled by anesthesiologists such as postoperative pain and information provided, also had a significant impact on patient satisfaction.