Who presents satisfied? Non-modifiable factors associated with patient satisfaction among gynecologic oncology clinic patients.
To examine associations between non-modifiable patient factors and patient satisfaction (PS) among women presenting to a gynecologic oncology clinic.



This is a cross sectional analysis of patients presenting for surgical management by a gynecologic oncologist at a tertiary care academic medical center. The Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ-18) that measures PS in seven domains of health care was administered. Scores were converted to "satisfied" versus "unsatisfied/equivocal". Demographic and medical factors were obtained from the medical record. Chi-square, t-tests, and multivariable logistic regression were used.



208 patients completed the baseline patient satisfaction questionnaire and the median PSQ-18 score was 70.5 (range: 42-90). Median age was 58years (range: 22-93). Several non-modifiable factors were associated with PS. White patients had higher interpersonal PS than minorities (86% v 65%, p=0.002). The uninsured had lower interpersonal (60% v 86%, p=0.003) and accessibility PS (33% v 67%, p=0.03). Increasing education and less time travelled to care were both associated with higher interpersonal (p=0.03, p=0.05) and accessibility PS (p=0.01, p=0.01). There was no association between clinical factors (BMI, comorbidities, cancer) and PS. In multivariable analysis, the strongest predictor of interpersonal PS was white race while the strongest predictors of accessibility PS were time travelled to care and insurance status.



Patient satisfaction scores among patients presenting to a gynecologic oncology clinic are associated with non-modifiable demographic, financial and geographic factors. Pay for performance measures that use summed patient satisfaction scores may penalize hospitals for patient-mix driven differences.
Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States. Electronic address: embarber@med.unc.edu.
Emma L
EL
Barber
Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
Jeannette T
JT
Bensen
PDstat LLC, United States.
Anna C
AC
Snavely
Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
Paola A
PA
Gehrig
Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
Kemi M
KM
Doll
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014932:Women's Health Services; D055815:Young Adult