Patient satisfaction of hand therapy services

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Hand therapy; Multi-dimensional; Patient satisfaction; Patient satisfaction questionnaire-short form (PSQ-18).