Evaluating the validity and reliability of a modified survey to assess patient satisfaction with mail-order and community pharmacy settings.

The level of patient-pharmacist interactions and services provided varies across different distribution methods and could affect patient satisfaction with services. Determining patient satisfaction with these medication distribution methods is important for improving care of chronic disease patients. This study evaluated the validity and reliability of a modified survey to assess patient satisfaction with mail-order and community pharmacy settings. Exploratory cross-sectional design using a convenience sample of HIV-infected patients at a university clinic was used. Satisfaction scale was modified from previously validated instrument resulting in 21 items on the final survey. Data collection occurred for 7 months, and 178 surveys were completed. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted using principal components and varimax rotation. Reliability and item analyses were conducted. Factor analysis resulted in a 2-factor solution, namely "satisfaction with the efficient functioning of the pharmacy" and "satisfaction with the managing therapy role of the pharmacist," respectively. Cronbach's alpha for factors 1 and 2 with mail-order were .951 and .795, for independent were .977 and .965, and for chain were .841 and .823. The study provides a valuable tool to assess patient satisfaction with pharmacy services provided through different distribution methods.