title: Explaining patient satisfaction with outpatient care using data-based nurse staffing indicators.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This article examines the associations of nursing intensity, work environment intensity, and nursing resources with patient satisfaction with outpatient care in a university hospital in Finland.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  While readily available in hospital information systems, data-based nurse staffing indicators have not been maximized in ambulatory nursing management and leadership.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were analyzed using descriptive and multivariate statistical methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patient satisfaction scores reached target levels at all measurements in 42% of the outpatient departments. The risk of low satisfaction scores was higher when patients received no information about their visits or their illness. Patient dissatisfaction increased linearly with the number of repeat visits.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The patients were predominantly satisfied with the outpatient care. Better access to information improved patient satisfaction. Attention should be directed to the content of information in patient repeat visits.
authors.affiliation: Pirkanmaa Hospital District. sirpa.salin@tamk.fi
authors.forename: Sirpa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Salin
authors.forename: Marja
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kaunonen
authors.forename: Pirjo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Aalto
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000592:standards*; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005387:Finland; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D015401:Nursing Administration Research; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling