Publication:

A prospective study of level of satisfaction among surgical patients in a tertiary care hospital of central India

Background Patient satisfaction is one objective of care, and along with recovery from illness or amelioration of presenting problem, it is therefore an outcome of care too. The objective of the study was to evaluate the satisfaction level among surgical patients before and after counselling and to studies the relationship of literacy and acceptance for surgery.

Methods Patients coming to surgical OPD, having definite surgical problem and who needs surgical intervention are taken into consideration.108 patients were selected on pilot basis. Depending on the common complaints by patient regarding doctor patient relationship and satisfaction of patient after consultation at our institute, a five point questionnaire was prepared with an option to answer as satisfied, partially satisfied and not satisfied with reasons.

Results In our study total 108 patients coming to surgical OPD were taken. Out of which 66 (61.11 %) were males and 42 (38.88%) were females. All of them are above 18 years of age group. The youngest was 18 years and oldest was 66 years of age. Females were found to be more satisfied after patient empowerment and counselling as compared to males. Older patients were found to be more satisfied than younger ones which are comparable with the international studies. In our study, females took much time for empowerment, understanding and counselling but found to be more firm on the decision once taken by them. In our study, overall satisfaction level of patients has increased after counselling and patient empowerment (from 37% - 63%).

Conclusions Making of a successful surgeon requires apart from extensive knowledge of his subject, he should be able to know the psyche of patients , hearing them and giving them sufficient time will solve most of problems for flourishing his practice, becoming a good ,sensible and famous surgeon and will help to avoid so many unnecessary medico-legal litigations against innocent surgeons.