Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction and Factors Affecting It: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Patient satisfaction with hospital services is one of the most important indicators of effectiveness and quality of hospital services. Patient satisfaction surveys can provide valuable data for evaluating the current status, awareness of quality and quantity of process improvement programs and quality improvement to health managers and policy makers. The present study discusses previous studies conducted in this area, and presents recommendations to improve patient satisfaction. The method of this study is review. Selected papers were identified by searching keyword in Persian and English in different databases and after applying the inclusion criteria, 19 studies were extracted and analyzed. 23,793 patients in 12 studies entered into this research were investigated. Generally, satisfaction of the patients in this study was estimated at an average level. Continuous evaluation of patient satisfaction and identification of the factors affecting it requires establishment of comprehensive and accurate data system in this area; that by application of the results of previous studies steps can be taken to improve patient satisfaction. Patients’ satisfaction in Iran, compared with other countries, is desirable. In addition, the overall satisfaction of patients in recent years has increased compared to previous years and the reason can be measures like different ways of improving the quality, customer orientation, and applying the results of research conducted in this area.