Patient Satisfaction in Neurosurgery Clinic

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Patient Experience
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• National commercial surveys are standard for assessing patient satisfaction.
• However, these surveys often lack clinical relevance and yield low response rates, limiting their utility for targeted improvements.
• Existing methods may not adequately capture the nuances of patient experience in specialized clinics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate patient satisfaction using real-time, in-person surveys at the conclusion of neurosurgery clinic visits.
• To compare the effectiveness of in-person surveys with national commercial survey responses for driving change.
• To identify specific areas for enhancing patient care within neurosurgery.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study conducted from October to December 2023.
• 121 neurosurgery patients received a 10-question in-person survey post-visit.
• Patient demographics and visit details were collected via electronic medical records; national survey data was also reviewed.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 100% response rate for in-person surveys (121/121 patients).
• Patients seen by two providers reported lower satisfaction regarding feeling respected, listened to, and appreciated for illness prevention discussions (p<0.05).
• Direct comparison with national survey data was not feasible due to insufficient information.

Conclusions:

• Real-time, in-person patient satisfaction surveys significantly improve response rates and provide specific, actionable feedback.
• This method is superior to traditional surveys for guiding quality improvement initiatives in neurosurgery.
• Implementing in-person surveys can directly enhance the patient experience and inform clinical practice.