Review of Patient Satisfaction Research to Improve Patient Surveys in Medical Imaging Departments

Abstract

Patient satisfaction is important to health care facilities because a satisfied customer tends to return for additional services. Identifying the characteristics that increase patient satisfaction can help facilities improve their process. Few studies have directly evaluated imaging departments, but the literature from other health care specialties can be applied when the environment is similar. Having a pleasant waiting experience has shown to have a positive impact on patients’ overall satisfaction and perceived quality of care. Factors that have been linked to improved patient satisfaction include decreased wait time, decreased perceived length of wait time, and increased communication through written information or increased face-to-face time with a provider.