Using a patient satisfaction survey to close the theory-practice gap.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice and Patient Outcomes
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• Evaluating patient satisfaction is crucial for identifying areas needing enhancement in healthcare delivery.
• Understanding patient perspectives can guide the development of more effective nursing strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the utility of patient satisfaction surveys as a tool for advancing nursing practice.
• To identify specific aspects of patient care that require improvement based on patient feedback.

Main Methods:

• A postal questionnaire was administered to patients post-discharge.
• The survey encompassed primary nursing, information dissemination, ward environment, discharge planning, and social activities.

Main Results:

• Patients reported dissatisfaction with information received and involvement in care decisions, often linked to primary nurse recognition.
• The role of associate nurses was not well understood, while discharge procedures received high satisfaction ratings.
• There was limited patient interest in an organized activities program.

Conclusions:

• The study identified critical areas for improvement in nursing care, including information provision and patient engagement.
• A nurse-led managed change program was implemented, focusing on primary nurse roles, enhanced information, and shared decision-making.