An evaluation of the level of satisfaction with a dedicated inpatient venepuncture service at a rehabilitation centre

Abstract

The purpose of this prospective observational study was to determine the levels of satisfaction of the three main 'customers' of a dedicated inpatient venepuncture service at a rehabilitation centre, namely the patients, medical staff and nursing staff. The venepuncture service was delivered by two part-time nurses. One hundred and six patients, 14 medical staff and 35 nurses participated in the study. Three purpose-designed surveys were administered to investigate levels of satisfaction. High degrees of satisfaction were reported by all three 'customer' groups. Patients were highly satisfied with the interpersonal skills of the venepuncture nurses and their ability to obtain blood on the first pass, medical staff agreed that a dedicated venepuncture service gave them more time to spend in patient care, and nursing staff believed that a dedicated venepuncture service caused less disruption to patients' daily schedule.