Patient Satisfaction with Medical Care Prior to Referral to a Tertiary Epilepsy Center.
Abstract number :
3.227
Submission category :
Year :
2001
Submission ID :
3087
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/1/2001 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2001, 06:00 AM
Authors :
V.J. Vahle, M.P.H., Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO; D.M. Ficker, M.D., Neurology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; B.J. Smith, M.D., Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI; C.W. Bazil, M.D., Ph.D., Neurology,
RATIONALE: Many patients with epilepsy have uncontrolled seizures for many years prior to evaluation for non pharmacologic therapy such as epilepsy surgery. The reasons for such delays are not well understood, but patient satisfaction with medical services may provide useful information regarding standards of care in epilepsy.
METHODS: We present the preliminary data from a prospective nine center study (target n will be 50 patients per site) of patient satisfaction with their medical care experience prior to referral to a subspecialty epilepsy center. We used the PRF-22 Survey which was developed by Davies & Ware for use as a reliable and valid medical consumer satisfaction survey. It is a 22-item instrument that assesses technical quality, communication, and interpersonal care. Patients completed the form prior to their first epilepsy center outpatient visit.
RESULTS: The preliminary sample included 36 patients, 25 women and 11 men age 19-70 years. Seven patients (19%) rated their overall care and physician services as poor to fair. Fourteen (41%) were completely dissatisfied to somewhat satisfied with their doctor. Ten (30%) would not choose their physician again if given the choice. Women were significantly less satisfied with their overall care than men (p [lt] 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Prior to referral to a subspecialty epilepsy center, one fifth of patients rated their overall medical care as fair to poor. Nearly one half were less than satisfied with their doctor. Women were significantly less satisfied than men with their overall care for epilepsy. Our results suggest that standards of care for epilepsy in the general medical community need further evaluation.