title: Patient satisfaction with a hospital-based neuropsychology service.
abstract: Objective The aim of the present study was to develop and pilot a measure of patient satisfaction that encompasses themes, activities, settings and interactions specific to the neuropsychological assessment process. Methods A focus group of out-patients (n=15) was surveyed to identify the factors commonly associated with a satisfactory neuropsychological experience. Responses informed a purposely designed 14-item patient satisfaction scale (α=0.88) that was completed by 66 hospital out-patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. Results Satisfaction with the neuropsychological assessment process was generally reported, with the testing phase (85%) rated significantly more favourably than the pre-assessment (79%) and feedback (70%) phases. Commentaries provided by 32 respondents identified interpersonal facilitators to a satisfactory neuropsychological assessment experience, but also dissatisfaction with physical aspects of the testing environment in addition to service availability. Conclusions The patient satisfaction scale can be used as a quality assurance tool to evaluate neuropsychological service delivery. Large-scale research is needed to confirm the scale's psychometric properties. Further research may also include a broader perspective on the consumers' experience of neuropsychological services.
authors.affiliation: Psychology Department, Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
authors.forename: Amie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Foran
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia. Email:.
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Millar
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia. Email:.
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dorstyn
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006302:Health Services Research; D006748:Hospital Departments; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009484:Neuropsychology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013021:South Australia; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires