November 6, 1998

The results of a statewide patient satisfaction survey developed by the Massachusetts Health Quality Partnership (MHQP) will be released to the public Nov. 13. The MGH is one of 58 acute care hospitals that participated in the survey, which is the first effort in the nation where hospitals across a state have volunteered to use the same measurement tool and then make the results available to the public.

The MHQP – a coalition of health care, business and government leaders – started the survey project two years ago to stimulate quality improvement and to advance public accountability among acute care hospitals.

The survey was conducted by the Boston-based Picker Institute, which is nationally recognized for researching health care from the patients' perspective. This survey's methodology focused on seven areas of patient care: respect for patient preferences, physical comfort, involvement of family and friends, continuity and transition, coordination of care, information and education, and emotional support.

"Since 1994, the MGH has been surveying inpatients and using their feedback to help make improvements in the hospital," says Elizabeth Mort, MD, director of the MGH Decision Support Unit and Operations Improvement. "We were very interested in joining the statewide survey project, which we hope will promote collaborative quality improvement among all of the acute care hospitals."

The data reflected in the survey covers adult medical, surgical and childbirth patients admitted from January to March 1998.

For more information about the survey results, watch for the next issue of Hotline or call the Decision Support Unit at 6-5215.