The assessment of satisfaction with care in the perinatal period.

Patient satisfaction is frequently used to evaluate the quality of medical care and to guide the development of health care services. Improved satisfaction is a goal recommended by the Institute of Medicine and the government of the United Kingdom for health care reform. During the perinatal period, dynamic changes in physical and psychological state impose unique challenges in the assessment of satisfaction. This article reviews the measurement of satisfaction with care, together with factors that may influence satisfaction and its measurement during the perinatal period. Recommendations are also provided for further research and development of satisfaction instruments and potential interventions to improve satisfaction with perinatal care.