Comparison of satisfaction levels of patients in private and regular hospital rooms

Abstract

This study aims to investigate probable difference between satisfaction levels of patients who stay in private rooms and those who stay in regular rooms to receive surgical treatment. A total of fifty consecutive patients who were hospitalized in private and regular rooms were randomly enrolled in the study. The sociodemographic characteristics were noted. Their level of satisfaction was assessed utilizing a preformed questionnaire which was directed to each patient by a researcher at the time of their discharge. The collected data was later analysed in view of differences in hospital bed facilities. Patients, whom 26 were at private and 24 at regular beds, exhibited similar sociodemographic properties. Three fourths of private bed patients had chosen this hospital for its expert medical staff. Same ratio of regular room patients had been referred from another hospital. The average level of satisfaction among patients of this study was 68%. This ratio was 78% in private, and 58% in regular bed patients (p=0.024). The two most prominent parameters that influenced the level of patient satisfaction were the presence of bathroom in private rooms (p=0.000), and the lack of appropriate conditions for a patient companion in regular rooms (p=0.000). Patients staying in regular rooms reported such complaintsas not being adequately informed about their disease (p=0.026), not being immediately responded by medical staff when required (p=0.046), and not feeling safe (p=0.035). The results of this study indicated that patients who stayed in regular rooms were less satisfied with hospital environment and services offered. This study discovered that the architecture and physical conditions of rooms significantly influenced to level of patient satisfaction. It seems that any facility or service provided to patients was considered insufficient if they were not offered by well trained medical staff under the supervision of a modern hospital organization. © 2012 OMU.