Patient assessments of hospital care

Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston recently refined a patient survey instrument that elicits information on satisfaction with specific areas of care as well as the impact of sociodemographic correlates and length of stay on satisfaction. The survey was administered to 255 medical patients, 347 surgical patients, and 329 obstetric patients. Results were analyzed using summary scales for ratings of physician care, nursing care, room, and food service. The analysis found generally high ratings of satisfaction, although several areas in need of improvement were identified.