Trauma Patient Satisfaction Survey Opens Discussion about Bias in Health Care

Background Patient satisfaction is an important part of quality care, and patient backgrounds can influence satisfaction with care. Since trauma disproportionately affects the underserved, this study aimed to determine the effects of race and insurance status on trauma patient satisfaction. Methods The validated Trauma Patient Satisfaction Survey (TPSS) was administered to 143 hospitalized trauma patients. ANOVA and Chi2 statistics were used to compare demographics with patient satisfaction. Qualitative data were analyzed with EZ-Text. Results Of the 143 patients surveyed, 95 (66%) were African American, 33 (23%) were Caucasian, and 15 (10%) were Latino. Sixty-one patients (43%) were uninsured. No statistically significant differences for any item were noted by race or insurance status on the TPSS. No patients perceived biased care by race, but three African American patients felt that care was different because of their insurance (2%, p=0.34). Patients who did perceive bias were less satisfied with their care (p=0.03).