Hospital patient satisfaction reached a new peak last year, according a new
report from Press Ganey Associates. In October 2008, the company reported an unprecedented 1.5% jump in overall inpatient satisfaction and a 2% increase in the likelihood patients would recommend their hospital to family and friends. "Despite the economic downturn at the end of 2008, patient satisfaction hit an all-time high," the report states. "This is a tribute to the continuing dedication of health care providers across the nation." The nearly 3 million hospital patients surveyed by Press Ganey last year rated their overall care between "good" and "very good." Patients admitted through the emergency department were slightly more satisfied than non-emergency patients. According to the company's inpatient survey, patient satisfaction has steadily increased since 2003. In March 2008, the Hospital Quality Alliance began publicly reporting on patients' perceptions of their care at
www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov, using data from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey.
