Patient experience, overall satisfaction, and its associated factors after general emergency surgery

Abstract

Background: The level of patient satisfaction is an essential health outcome used to determine the quality of care provided. Unfortunately, studies need to be more comprehensive regarding patient satisfaction and its associated factors after general emergency surgery in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aims to measure the level of patient satisfaction after general emergency surgery and determine the factors that influence it. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients who underwent general emergency surgery in the Qassim region from June to July 2022 after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. A validated online Arabic Patient-Reported Experience Measures questionnaire was distributed through multiple social networking applications. Bivariable and multivariable logistic analyses determine the variables linked to satisfaction with the care provided and assess patient experience, overall satisfaction, and its associated factors after general emergency surgery. p = 0.05 with a 95% CI was considered as the statistical significance level. Results: Patient satisfaction with the general emergency surgery was high. Confidence and trust in doctors and nurses responsible for the care, the absence of nighttime noise from staff and other patients, the perception of sufficient privacy for both clinical discussions and examinations, explanation of the purpose of discharge medication and how to take it, and information are given for whom to contact if concerned, were associated with significantly high patient satisfaction and good experience. Conclusion: Many associated factors were found to influence the attitude, experience, and degree of patient satisfaction with the medical/non-medical services rendered by the general emergency surgery unit staff.