Chien, James J.

AbstractObjectivesPatient satisfaction is tied to outcome, but there is scant literature on the relationship of patient perceived outcome and attributes of the pain clinic visit, including the patient interaction with the pain management specialist. The primary purpose of this study is to identify attributes of the patient–provider interaction most strongly associated with patient perceived outcome of their clinic visit. The secondary aim is to correlate patient perceived outcome with patient self‐rated overall health.MethodsA patient satisfaction survey conducted via phone approximately 3 weeks after the patient's pain clinic visit.ResultsThe response rate was 60.2%; 987 patient surveys collected between 2006 and 2010 were used in the analysis. Four factors were significantly associated with the outcome: (1) Explanations by the physician of the patient's condition and treatment, (2) clear instructions regarding post‐appointment activities, (3) knowing the patient as a person, and (4) the patient's self‐rated health. In terms of the secondary objective, those who answered very good/excellent regarding their self‐rated health had an 87% increased odds of better (very good/excellent) outcome of their pain clinic visit (or 1.87 times the odds of better outcome) compared with those who answered poor/fair/good.ConclusionsOur results suggest that pain physicians may positively impact patient perceived outcomes of clinic visits by explaining the patient's condition and treatment, providing instructions, and taking the time to understand the patient and their values.

AbstractObjectivesPatient perception of healthcare quality is of growing interest. It has been shown that patient satisfaction is associated with compliance with medical advice and clinical outcome. The 3‐fold purpose of this study was to identify which attributes of the patient–physician interaction most strongly correlated with patients' perceptions of provider quality of care, to identify key drivers that move patients' perception of overall provider quality from “very good” to “excellent,” and to identify features of the pain clinic experience that were most important to patients but were simultaneously perceived as lacking.MethodsRandomized patient satisfaction survey conducted via telephone approximately 3 weeks after the patient's pain clinic visit.ResultsA total of 999 patients participated in the survey over 5 years (estimated response rate 60.2%). Thoroughness, listening, and time spent with the provider were the 3 attributes most strongly associated with the patients' perceptions of provider quality of care, while thoroughness, listening, punctuality, and clear instructions were the drivers of “very good” vs. “excellent” patient perceived overall provider quality. Areas identified for clinic improvement include thoroughness, providing adequate explanations and instructions, and including patient preferences in decision making.ConclusionsThese results may guide pain clinic physicians as they seek to improve patient perceptions of their care and ultimately patient outcomes.