Can patients handle truth?
Can patients handle truth?
Apparently so, according to South Bend, IN-based Press, Ganey Associates, a health care satisfaction measurement firm. Contrary to conventional wisdom, hospital patients respond positively when provided with information regarding life-support options and organ donation, according to a recently conducted study.
"It was once believed that patients would cringe during a discussion relating to the possibility of mortality," says Press, Ganey president Irwin Press, PhD. "But, the truth is that by doing this, we are creating a collaborative atmosphere that empowers patients," Press says. "The results of this study show that this serves and satisfies them, and does not intimidate them."
In a questionnaire recently administered to some 250,000 patients in 476 hospitals, respondents were asked to rate their satisfaction, on a scale of 0 (low) to 100 (high) with their hospital in 49 areas, including nursing, physicians, tests, visitation, and admission.
Also included in the questionnaire were background questions regarding specific treatments and services respondents received — including whether they were given information on life continuation and organ donation.
Survey results indicate a correlation between a patient’s overall satisfaction and whether they were given life continuation/organ donation information. Patients who received information on life continuation options had, on average, statistically significant higher overall satisfaction scores than those not receiving this information, according to Press, Ganey. The same relationship held when it came to receiving organ donation information.
There should be no surprise that patients respond positively to receiving this type of information, which gives them the feeling of empowerment, says Press. "These results should further remind us that the care of patients involves not only dealing with their illness and their condition, but also embracing them as people and recognizing their authority," he says, adding, "Patients can handle the truth."
[For further information, contact Press, Ganey Associates, 404 Columbia Place, South Bend, IN 46601. Telephone: (219) 232-3387 or (800) 232-8032. Fax: (219) 232-3485. Web site: www.pressganey.com.]
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