development and application of an indicator for reliable survey of patient complaint data

background and objectives: data on patient complains can be used as a feedback to improve the quality of healthcare services. the aim of this study was to develop an indicator for reliable retrieval of statistical data on patient complaints.   methods: a triangulated study was conducted. a comprehensive literature review was done to identifying the relevant major themes. two-rounds of delphi sessions (8 experts were in attendance) and two panel meetings were held to refine and approve the themes. the obtained indicator was then used to collect patient complaint statistics from selected hospitals.   findings: a ten-item indicator of patient complaints was developed and used to survey patient complaints in tabriz city (northwestern iran). of the total 6958 complaints registered in tabriz hospitals, 83.9% were made by inpatients and 82.5% were resolved in the hospitals. the rate of complaints was found to be 2.95 per 1000 referrals. only 36% of hospitals had a written policy to use the complaints in quality improvement initiatives.    conclusions: application of the developed indicator revealed that the hospitals of tabriz city are face with a relatively high rate of complaints when compared with the average rate in the literature. while the fact that majority of complaints are resolved in the hospital is promising, measure should be taken to encourage hospitals to use the complaints data in enhancing quality of services.