Gender differences in patient experience among persons with spinal cord injury: A comparison across 22 countries

Due to the majority of males within the population of persons with spinal cord injuries (SCI), a male-oriented perception of persons with SCI might affect care provision in the way of prioritizing male needs.

The objective of this cross-sectional study is to describe the patient experience of persons with SCI by gender.

This study was based on the International Spinal Cord Injury Survey with 12,588 participants from 22 countries. An interval-based patient experience score was attained by partial credit model. Regression analysis was used in exploring the association between patient experience and gender.

Participants reported very good and good patient experience. Respectful treatment was reported by 78 % of participants; clear explanations by 75 %; involvement in decision-making by 71 %; satisfaction with services by 62 %. The average patient experience score was equal among males and females (average: 64, range: 0-100), with the highest score in participants from the USA (78) and the lowest - in Morocco (44). Patient experience score was not associated with gender. Females had lower odds of reporting better decision-making involvement, yet higher odds of better satisfaction. Older participants, with higher household income and better self-rated health, had lower odds of being satisfied.

The majority of persons with SCI rated their experience as good or very good. Females were more likely to report higher satisfaction with services and lower involvement in decision-making. For other patient experience categories and the overall patient experience score, no association with gender was found.