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Today I filled out a survey at the physical therapist's office. I was asked about my level of satisfaction. One of the questions was to rate my agreement or disagreement with these statements: I am completely satisfied with my care. I liked the therapists well enough, but they were always behind schedule. How can we as patients answer these kinds of questions fairly?

Patient satisfaction is often difficult to measure. Your dilemma is one example why. These types of surveys are quick and easy. But they don't give the therapist information about why a person is (or isn't) happy with the care or service.

Finding the right survey to use can be a challenge. For example the results of some questions may point to a lack of parking and poor location as sources of patient dissatisfaction. This could result in a clinic relocating when the real problem was not enough time with the therapist.

Studies show there are many aspects of patient satisfaction. The two most common factors are the patient-therapist relationship and the environment. The first includes things like therapist competence, personality, and communication style.

Location and accessibility of services and continuity of care are environmental factors. Cost and payment issues and the clinic itself (cleanliness, noise, equipment) add to or detract from patient satisfaction.

our best bet is to fill out the survey as best as you can. Then write a note with some specifics you think might help the clinic improve. Be sure and tell them what you do like as well as what can be improved.

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