Natalie G Taylor1, David R Tollafield, Sharon Rees. 1. Podiatric Surgery Department, South Staffordshire PCT, Cannock Chase Hospital, Stafford, United Kingdom. natalie_g_taylor@yahoo.co.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The national podiatric surgery audit tool PASCOM has a key role in determining patient satisfaction with service received and outcomes. The study aim was to examine the effects of time after surgery on satisfaction scores, by undertaking a retrospective longitudinal study utilising the patient satisfaction questionnaire known as the PSQ-10. A secondary objective was to examine test-retest reliability, since this has not been previously reported. METHOD: NHS and private patients having undergone forefoot surgery were sent a further PSQ-10 satisfaction questionnaire after the standard 6-month PSQ-10 had been completed. The main outcome measure reflected a change in the score between the original and repeat PSQ-10 response. Internal consistency was measured by correlation between baseline questions for a subset of patients who were sent the second questionnaire within 6 months of the first. RESULTS: Of a total cohort of 204 patients, no significant differences were seen in overall scores. 46% showed increased satisfaction at the stage of the repeat questionnaire, with 41% a decline in score and 13% no change. Neurectomy patients improved the most with time and digital surgery was associated with the greatest decline in score. Significant correlations were demonstrated between all baseline questions for the test-retest cohort (13 patients). CONCLUSION: Time does not significantly influence patient satisfaction after discharge. There was satisfactory consistency between PSQ-10 responses. Further investigation into digital procedure outcomes is required.
BACKGROUND: The national podiatric surgery audit tool PASCOM has a key role in determining patient satisfaction with service received and outcomes. The study aim was to examine the effects of time after surgery on satisfaction scores, by undertaking a retrospective longitudinal study utilising the patient satisfaction questionnaire known as the PSQ-10. A secondary objective was to examine test-retest reliability, since this has not been previously reported. METHOD: NHS and private patients having undergone forefoot surgery were sent a further PSQ-10 satisfaction questionnaire after the standard 6-month PSQ-10 had been completed. The main outcome measure reflected a change in the score between the original and repeat PSQ-10 response. Internal consistency was measured by correlation between baseline questions for a subset of patients who were sent the second questionnaire within 6 months of the first. RESULTS: Of a total cohort of 204 patients, no significant differences were seen in overall scores. 46% showed increased satisfaction at the stage of the repeat questionnaire, with 41% a decline in score and 13% no change. Neurectomy patients improved the most with time and digital surgery was associated with the greatest decline in score. Significant correlations were demonstrated between all baseline questions for the test-retest cohort (13 patients). CONCLUSION: Time does not significantly influence patient satisfaction after discharge. There was satisfactory consistency between PSQ-10 responses. Further investigation into digital procedure outcomes is required.