Patient satisfaction with care in epilepsy: How much do we know?

Natalie Wiebe, Kirsten M. Fiest, Jonathan Dykeman, Xiaorong Liu, Nathalie Jette, Scott Patten, Samuel Wiebe

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective Satisfaction with epilepsy care (SEC) encompasses care delivery, expectations, attitudes, and disease course. Through a systematic review of the evidence, we explore how and where the SEC of patients is being measured, the level of SEC overall and in specific domains, and its relationship to clinical and demographic variables. Methods We searched Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE using medical subject headings and keywords related to satisfaction with care and epilepsy in adults and children, in all languages. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts and full-text articles. We examined the clinical context and patient characteristics, type and content of satisfaction scales, and reported outcomes. Abstracted variables were grouped for descriptive purposes and presented as medians and proportions when the data allowed it. Results Of 25 included studies (6,336 patients), 88% were performed in the United States or the United Kingdom. Nine studies (36%) used validated instruments and 16 studies (64%) used nonvalidated instruments. For SEC domains reported in >1 study, the median proportion (interquartile range) of patients satisfied with epilepsy care was 86% (17%) for overall satisfaction with care, 85% (24%) for interpersonal skills, 78% (3%) for access to care, 67% (32%) for communication, and 65% (15%) for knowledge/technical skills. Communication and clinicians' knowledge was important in all settings. Patients seen in specialized settings and those receiving more and better information had higher SEC ratings. There was no consistent association between SEC and quality of care indicators. Significance Data on SEC have been reported infrequently. Patients are least satisfied with communication, perceived skills, and knowledge of care providers. Epilepsy-specific SEC tools have neither been validated nor do they contain many of the important domains identified by this review. The relationship between SEC and indicators of quality of care requires further study. Measures aimed at improving education and communication could improve SEC.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)448-455
Number of pages8
JournalEpilepsia
Volume55
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Consumer satisfaction
  • Epilepsy
  • Outcomes in health care services
  • Patient-centered care

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Patient satisfaction with care in epilepsy: How much do we know?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this