Parent questionnaires: are they effective for auditing services?
OBJECTIVE
To involve as many parents as possible in evaluating the services provided to their child while an inpatient on a children's surgical ward and to obtain information to improve patient care, facilities and the clinical environment.


METHODS
180 questionnaires were distributed over a nine month period to parents of inpatients in a children's surgical ward prior to discharge. 100 of these were returned. The questionnaire focused on nursing and medical care, the ward environment, play and parent facilities.


RESULTS
A number of parents were dissatisfied with the noise level on the ward in contrast to the large number who asked for more televisions. A large percentage of respondents were satisfied with the nursing care they received and always felt involved in their child's care.


CONCLUSIONS
The questionnaire succeeded in highlighting problem areas on the ward so that changes could be implemented, including the introduction of a quiet time. Good practice was also highlighted allowing for praise within these areas.
Pritchard
Erica
E
Royal Liverpool Childrenś NHS Trust, Alder Hey.
Howard
Elizabeth
E
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002673:Child, Hospitalized; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D006272:Health Facility Environment / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings / Q000592:standards; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects; D009731:Nursing Audit / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000592:standards; D013527:Perioperative Nursing / Q000592:standards; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000592:standards; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000458:organization & administration