Evaluation of patient satisfaction in pediatric dermatology. Issue 6 (16th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ahmed, Sarah; Miller, Jonathan; Burrows, James F; Bertha, Ben Khallouq; Rosen, Paul
• Is Part Of: Pediatric dermatology. Volume 34:Issue 6(2017:Nov./Dec.)
• Page Start: 668
• Page End: 672
• Publication Date: 2017-11-16
• Subjects: acne -- patient satisfaction -- pediatric dermatology -- quality of life; Pediatric dermatology -- Periodicals; Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.925
• DOI: 10.1111/pde.13294
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0736-8046

Abstract

Abstract: Background/Objectives: There remains a lack of investigation into which factors patients and families value the most in their experience at pediatric dermatology clinics. Most of the current literature on quality improvement in dermatology does not encompass the pediatric population. To determine the drivers that are most predictive of a positive patient experience, we observed the indirect relationship between several factors of the patient experience and their role in patient satisfaction. Methods: Patient satisfaction surveys were distributed after their visits to patients at four pediatric dermatology clinics in one children's academic health system. Data were collected and organized into the top 30 survey variables with which patients expressed satisfaction on a 5‐point Likert scale. Pearson product‐moment correlation coefficients ( r ) for each variable with regard to "likelihood of your recommending our practice to others" were calculated. Results: A total of 516 families completed patient satisfaction surveys. Analyses of top box scores showed that the strongest predictors of patient satisfaction were the likelihood of recommending care provider ( r = .77, P = <.001), cheerfulness of practice ( r = .76, P = <.001), care provider spoke using clear language ( r = .73, P = <.001), patient confidence in care provider ( r = .70, P = <.001), and our sensitivity to patient needs ( r = .70, P = <.001). Conclusion: The patient‐physician relationship, along with the environment of the practice and its sensitivity to patients' personal needs, contributes most to the patient experience in pediatric dermatology. Identifying such variables that shape patients' assessments of their experience can guide future quality improvement plans in the specialty.