Exploring patient and family satisfaction in pediatric neurological surgery

Introduction Patient and family satisfaction during outpatient visits is correlated with a continuance of care and likelihood to recommend the practice to others. Additionally, patient-family satisfaction can determine the success of the practice and influence medical outcomes. Utilizing a well-validated surveys instrument, patient and family satisfaction can be explored in the office setting. Methods During a consecutive 36 month period, a standardized and validated patient satisfaction survey instrument was provided to the family members of patients who presented to two pediatric neurosurgery clinics associated with Nemours Children\u27s Health System. The completed surveys were analyzed statistically to identify correlations between overall satisfaction, defined as “Likelihood to Recommend (LTR) the Practice”, and relevant practice and provider variables. Results The factors that exhibited the greatest correlation to LTR were: ‘Cheerfulness of Practice’ (r = 0.74), ‘Ability to Get Desired Appointment’ (r = 0.70), ‘Likelihood of Recommending Care Provider’ (r = 0.65), ‘Staff Worked Together’ (r = 0.65), and ‘Waiting Area Comfort and Pleasantness’ (r = 0.60). Discussion and conclusions Patient and family satisfaction surveys are useful for gaining insight into pediatric neurosurgical practices. Data from this cohort suggest that the environment in which patient care is delivered, timeliness of appointments and positive perceptions of the healthcare team correlate most strongly with overall satisfaction. © 201

Exploring patient and family satisfaction in pediatric neurological surgery

Introduction: Patient and family satisfaction during outpatient visits is correlated with a continuance of care and likelihood to recommend the practice to others. Additionally, patient-family satisfaction can determine the success of the practice and influence medical outcomes. Utilizing a well-validated surveys instrument, patient and family satisfaction can be explored in the office setting. Methods: During a consecutive 36 month period, a standardized and validated patient satisfaction survey instrument was provided to the family members of patients who presented to two pediatric neurosurgery clinics associated with Nemours Children's Health System. The completed surveys were analyzed statistically to identify correlations between overall satisfaction, defined as “Likelihood to Recommend (LTR) the Practice”, and relevant practice and provider variables. Results: The factors that exhibited the greatest correlation to LTR were: ‘Cheerfulness of Practice’ (r = 0.74), ‘Ability to Get Desired Appointment’ (r = 0.70), ‘Likelihood of Recommending Care Provider’ (r = 0.65), ‘Staff Worked Together’ (r = 0.65), and ‘Waiting Area Comfort and Pleasantness’ (r = 0.60). Discussion and conclusions: Patient and family satisfaction surveys are useful for gaining insight into pediatric neurosurgical practices. Data from this cohort suggest that the environment in which patient care is delivered, timeliness of appointments and positive perceptions of the healthcare team correlate most strongly with overall satisfaction

Pre-Admission Blood Pressure and Outcome in a Large Telestroke Cohort

Introduction 55% of Americans live within 60 miles of a primary stroke center. Telestroke (TS) units shorten treatment delivery times (e.g. rt-PA) and reduce permanent neurologic sequelae.1,2 TS units provide tele-consults with neurovascular specialists experienced in medical and surgical treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Maintenance of systolic blood pressure (SBP) \u3e 140mmHg is recommended in AIS management. SBP \u3c 140mmHg is independently predictive of poor neurologic outcome.3 We analyzed all patients with AIS symptoms transported to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH), via JeffSTAT EMS ground vehicles or helicopters, to verify efficiency of the TS system and the prognostic value of vital sign-monitoring throughout the transportation process