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Abstract
Introduction Patient satisfaction surveys (PSS) can help identify ways of improving practice and facilitate better quality care. Patient opinion in health services research is integral but data from chronic cough populations is unknown.
Aim To identify patient satisfaction in our tertiary cough service.
Methods We devised a PSS containing 19 structured questions. Patients attending review consultations in two consecutive clinics were asked to consider completing the anonymous PSS.
Results Fifty-two PSS were completed; an 84% response rate. Of those 43 had full responses for analysis [79% female, 58%≥55 years in age]. Patient satisfaction was extremely high (figure 1); 70% thought the care received was excellent and 95% were likely to recommend the service to friends and family. Improvement suggestions related to parking and appointment management. However 44% felt clinic locality was inconvenient, but the majority (63%) of those were not interested in Skype review consultations; response was unrelated to age.
Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first reported patient satisfaction data in chronic cough patients. Despite the refractory nature of the condition, patient satisfaction is extremely high. As a quarter of our service’s patients travel ≥25 miles, the inconvenience of clinic accessibility is not surprising. Nonetheless, patients appear to value face to face consultations and further patient consultation is required before utilising tele-health.
