Patient satisfaction in treatment for cervical pathology
This study aimed to analyse the satisfaction levels of patients treated for cervical dysplasia. At the Orbis Medical Center, all cases of abnormal cervical cytology are referred for colposcopy; however, there are three possible routings for patients: i) Patients are informed by the gynecologist about the colposcopy in a visit to the outpatient clinic, and colposcopy is planned in a second visit; ii) patients are informed by the gynecologist immediately before the colposcopy (a single visit); or iii) patients are called by a nurse practitioner 1-2 weeks prior to the colposcopy. The nurse practitioner informs patients about their Pap smear result, the colposcopy procedure and the follow-up (single visit plus telephone conversation). Patient satisfaction was analysed in the diagnostic and occasionally in the therapeutic colposcopies, with regards to information, treatment, appeasement and number of visits. The issue of whether the introduction of nurse practitioners improved patient satisfaction was also assessed. Patient satisfaction questionnaires were sent to all 593 patients who underwent a colposcopic examination for the first time following an abnormal smear test result. Data were analysed using SPSS 14.0. For statistical analyses, χ(2) tests and the Mann-Whitney U test were used. P<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The response rates did not differ significantly among the three groups of patients. In general, patient satisfaction regarding care was high (96%). The role of the nurse practitioner was rated highly (8.0-8.4). Although there were differences in the number of visits and satisfaction regarding the information provided, patient satisfaction did not differ significantly between groups 1 and 3. Patients in group 2 were significantly less satisfied with regard to almost all analysed data. In conclusion, the single visit procedure is extremely efficient. Patient satisfaction did not differ significantly between groups 1 and 3, but group 2 patients were significantly less satisfied. The introduction of nurse practitioners improves patients' knowledge, comfort and satisfaction. Furthermore, it reduces the number of visits required. Efficient treatment strategies were introduced and patient satisfaction was increased.