Determinants of parental satisfaction with ultrasound hip screening in child health care

J Child Health Care. 2012 Jun;16(2):178-89. doi: 10.1177/1367493511426280. Epub 2012 Feb 22.

Abstract

Prior research has shown ultrasound (US) screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in preventive child health care to be more effective than the current screening method. In the present study, 3-month-old infants were screened for DDH with US. The objective of this study was to examine parental satisfaction with the screening and determinants that affect satisfaction. Parental satisfaction was measured using a questionnaire. Independent variables included socio-demographic determinants, structure, process and outcome-related determinants and the meeting of expectations. Satisfaction with the screening was high. Parents who perceived the screener as competent, had enough time to ask questions, perceived the proceeding as fluent, perceived a low burden on their infant and whose expectations were met, were more likely to be satisfied. Satisfaction was influenced by process-related factors and not by factors related to the structure and the outcome of the screening. Good information provision before the screening and communication during the screening are means by which parental satisfaction can be influenced positively.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child Health Services*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hip Dislocation, Congenital / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / methods*
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Patient Satisfaction / statistics & numerical data*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Ultrasonography