Patient Satisfaction With Nursing and Medical Care in Hospitals Affiliated to Arak University of Medical Sciences in 2009

BACKGROUND Patient satisfaction is essential and must be taken into account when decisions are being made about changes and enhancements to services. OBJECTIVES The aim of the current study was to assess patient satisfaction with the medical and nursing services provided to patients admitted to teaching hospitals affiliated to Arak University of Medical Sciences. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2009. The study population consisted of all patients admitted to the study setting. The instrument consisted of a demographic questionnaire and patient satisfaction questionnaire. Study data were analyzed using Chi-square test, Pearson's and Spearman's rho correlation coefficient. RESULTS In terms of the medical and nursing care provided, 67% and 69% of the participants were satisfied, respectively. The 'access to opportune nursing care' and 'physician's manner' items received 82.7% and 81.7% of scores, respectively. Satisfaction with medical and nursing care was significantly correlated with the participants' education levels (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The study showed that patient satisfaction was at an average level, therefor policy makers in the organizations should consider customer-based feedback and apply various methods to improve it.