Expectations Confounded: Patients Are Satisfied with THR and TKR Delivery in Australian Public Hospitals—A Multisite Case Study. (4th December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Walters, Julie Lynette; Mackintosh, Shylie; Sheppard, Lorraine
• Other Names: Allam M. F. Academic Editor.; Bramesfeld A. Academic Editor.; Slep A. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: ISRN public health. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-12-04
• Subjects: Public health -- Periodicals; Public Health; Public health; Periodical; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.5402/2012/947828
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-8008

Abstract

Abstract : Background. The popular media infer that satisfaction with waiting lists for total hip or knee replacement surgery is poor; however, there is little supporting evidence for this. The purpose of this study was to describe patients satisfaction with the service they received for joint replacement surgery in a public hospital. Methods. A cross-sectional design was used to survey 450 patients. Data was analysed descriptively and chi-squared analyses (significance level of P < 0.05 ) were used to examine associations between variables. Results. The response rate was 71%. Nearly three-quarters (n = 312 ) of the sample were "very happy" with the service and 92.0% (n = 379 ) indicated that they would have their surgery again. Satisfaction was significantly associated with waiting time to the first appointment (chi-square; P = 0.002 ), whether the patients enquired about their waiting time (chisquare; P = 0.003 ), and the number of preoperative appointments (chisquare; P = 0.04 ). Most participants reported a maximum acceptable waiting period for initial appointment of less than 6 months but nearly half waited longer. Conclusions. The perception that patients are unhappy with elective surgery services in Australia may be unfounded despite many waiting longer than they consider appropriate.