title: Maximizing the utility of interorganizational data using concept mapping.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The overall objective of this article was to apply an existing methodology (concept mapping) to a nonstandardized interorganizational data set. The specific aims were to (1) identify, define, and create a map that represented the common conceptual domains of patient satisfaction; (2)validate the relationships among concepts; and (3) use the map by testing the relationships of the patient satisfaction concepts to other patient outcomes.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The lack of standardized methodologies for collecting patient outcome data across multiple institutions poses threats to the validity and generalizability of research findings.
  
  
  METHODS
  The steps in concept mapping were used to explicate the common underlying conceptual dimensions from 3 patient satisfaction tools. The map was then used to evaluate the extent that patient satisfaction was related to outcomes of hospitalized patients. Each of 3 hospitals' measure of patient satisfaction varied in the number and type of items. All items were examined to identify potential areas of conceptual correspondence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Items were grouped into 1 of the 3 identified categories that were consistent across sites: caring, communication, and responsiveness. Moderate correlations were found among the concepts of satisfaction and medication errors, nosocomial infections, and patient falls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Concept mapping-more traditionally used for learning, project planning, and evaluation-is a technique that has demonstrated utility in multi-institutional research.
authors.affiliation: Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA. manthony@kent.edu
authors.forename: Mary K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Anthony
authors.forename: Patricia A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Higgins
mesh_terms: D001296:Audiovisual Aids; D003210:Concept Formation; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research / Q000379:methods*; D009820:Ohio; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D015203:Reproducibility of Results