High satisfaction ratings in an orthogeriatric ward: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Patients' experiences and satisfaction should be incorporated when quality of healthcare is assessed as patients offer key insights into the quality of care and treatment. Over a period of 12 months, 236 elderly patients (+65 years) with hip fracture, vertebral fracture or other appendicular fractures were questioned concerning their satisfaction and experience of admission to an orthogeriatric unit. Research nurses questioned the patients using an electronic questionnaire. Our survey documents a high level of satisfaction with the clinical elements of orthogeriatric care. On average 80% of the patients felt respected by professionals all or most of the time; 72% felt confident at discharge. Equally large groups preferred very much, little or no involvement; and 74% of the patients preferred family involvement. In total, 64% felt the extent of their own involvement in care and treatment had been appropriate, while 52% felt this was the case for family involvement. Some patients reported no experience of training or ward rounds taking place, no opportunity to speak with a physician when needed, and receiving no information about waiting time. Our results contribute to the limited knowledge concerning the satisfaction and experiences of orthogeriatric in-hospital patients.