Patient satisfaction and complication rates in ultrasound-guided procedures: A questionnaire-based analysis

Although ultrasound-guided procedures (USGP) are widely adopted to reduce technical complications, the relationship between patient satisfaction and procedural safety remains insufficiently explored. Most studies emphasise technical success while under-evaluating patient-reported outcomes as potential indicators of safety performance. Hence, this cross-sectional study assessed satisfaction among 300 adults undergoing USGP and examined its association with documented complication rates. A structured questionnaire evaluated comfort, communication, perceived safety and willingness for repeat procedures using a 10-point Likert scale. Among 270 respondents (90% response rate), the mean satisfaction score was 8.2 ± 1.1. Overall complication incidence was 2.2%, predominantly minor events. Patients with high satisfaction (≥9/10) demonstrated significantly lower complication rates compared with low satisfaction groups (0.7% versus 6.3%, p = 0.03). Satisfaction score independently predicted complication likelihood after adjustment for age and procedural complexity (β = -0.21, p = 0.01). Thus, we show that patient satisfaction may function as an adjunct safety indicator rather than mere experiential metric. Incorporating structured satisfaction assessment into procedural quality frameworks may enhance both patient-centred care and safety monitoring.