Patients\' satisfaction in first rank Hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences: A cross-sectional study in 2009

Background and Aim: Patients' needs should be acknowledged properly in order to enable hospitals to take responsibility for their expenses. In this study, patients' satisfaction is assessed in various fields which are key elements of hospitals assessment program. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 120 consecutive patients which are randomly selected from Hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) were enrolled. A questionnaire was completed for their demographic, occupational, insurance status and their satisfaction of clinical services, nutrition, hospital environment and hospital facilities. Results: The age range of participants were11 to 80 years old 61.9% were females and 38.1% were males. Overall, 78.1% were satisfied in respect to hospitals general status while there were significant differences considering satisfaction in hospital environment and facilities, clinical services and nutrition among recruited hospitals. Discussion and Conclusion: A strong correlation between the index of hospital environment and patients' satisfaction signifies further enhancements of hospital environment which could potentially increase patients' satisfaction. Also, the relationship between patients well being and satisfaction indicates health care staff role should be emphasized for patients' appreciation. Consequently, hospital administration should focus on current unsatisfied sections to improve health care quality