Predictors of Patient and Proxy Satisfaction with Discharge Plans

Abstract

If patients are not readily available, family members or others sometimes are used as substitute informants when evaluating consumer satisfaction. Little is known, however, about the extent to which responses of patients and proxies are interchangeable. In this study, patients (N = 225) or significant others (N = 115) provided an overall rating of discharge plans, as well as information on psychosocial, health, and post-hospital service related factors, at 3-4 weeks post-discharge. While no difference was found between mean plan ratings for the two groups, substantial differences were found in factors predicting satisfaction for patients and for proxies. Results indicate that care should be taken in using proxy ratings in the place of patient ratings, particularly when developing strategies for enhancing consumer satisfaction. Findings are discussed as they relate to continuity of care initiatives and programs for enhancement of desirable health utilization behaviors, in the context of managed care.

Social Work Discharge Planning in Acute Care Hospitals in Israel: Clients’ Evaluation of the Discharge Planning Process and Adequacy

“…Patient ratings are related to their involvement in decision making, sex and marital status, physical and emotional state, and type of service planned (Cox, 1996;Proctor et al, 1992;. Family satisfaction is also related to the process itself (time spent with professionals, involvement in the process, and range of options offered) and to LOS (Proctor et al, 1992;Showers et al, 1995). Discharge destination is related to both family and patient satisfaction (Cox, 1996;Lockery, Dunkle, Kart, & Coulton, 1994;Morrow-Howell et al, 1996).…”

Measurement of patient satisfaction as an outcome of regional anesthesia and analgesia: A systematic review

“…35 Use of proxies (e.g., family members or friends) may not accurately reflect the views of the patient. 36 Patient satisfaction assessments are typically considered as nonparametric data and appropriate statistical analysis should be conducted. Thus, there are several methodologic concerns that affect assessment of patient satisfaction and reflect the fact that patient satisfaction is multidimensional in concept.…”

Predictors of patient satisfaction with hospital health care

“…Patients admitted to hospitals are generally old and in some cases have different handicaps or functional limitations that prevent or make it difficult for them to complete a questionnaire. For this reason, the interviewed patient may enlist the help of a relative or friend to answer the questionnaire, and this could be a source of bias [ 9 ].…”