Patient satisfaction following day surgery

To evaluate patient satisfaction at discharge and 30 days after day surgery, and to identify predictive factors of patient satisfaction.

Observational, prospective study.

Day surgery unit of a university hospital.

251 consecutive patients, aged 43 +/- 15 years (56.6% women), scheduled for day surgery.

Patients were asked to answer a questionnaire.

Patients' level of satisfaction was recorded in relation to different variables, using questions of demographics, logistics, and those relating to surgery.

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.

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.