Patient satisfaction in an academic chronic pain clinic

Patient perception of healthcare quality is of growing interest. It has been shown that patient satisfaction is associated with compliance with medical advice and clinical outcome. The 3-fold purpose of this study was to identify which attributes of the patient-physician interaction most strongly correlated with patients' perceptions of provider quality of care, to identify key drivers that move patients' perception of overall provider quality from "very good" to "excellent," and to identify features of the pain clinic experience that were most important to patients but were simultaneously perceived as lacking.

Randomized patient satisfaction survey conducted via telephone approximately 3 weeks after the patient's pain clinic visit.

A total of 999 patients participated in the survey over 5 years (estimated response rate 60.2%). Thoroughness, listening, and time spent with the provider were the 3 attributes most strongly associated with the patients' perceptions of provider quality of care, while thoroughness, listening, punctuality, and clear instructions were the drivers of "very good" vs. "excellent" patient perceived overall provider quality. Areas identified for clinic improvement include thoroughness, providing adequate explanations and instructions, and including patient preferences in decision making.

These results may guide pain clinic physicians as they seek to improve patient perceptions of their care and ultimately patient outcomes.