In any business, getting feedback from customers is crucial to improving every aspect of that business. The same is true for doctors who own or operate a medical practice, and one of the best ways to obtain that feedback is through patient surveys.
When the right questions are asked, patient surveys can help doctors better understand their quality of care and ways they can improve their practices. However, not all patient surveys are effective, mainly because the questions asked don’t lead to actionable improvements. Here are seven questions doctors should consider asking on their patient surveys:
1. How well did the doctor communicate with you?
Effective communication between doctors and patients is the cornerstone for creating trust. By asking patients to rate their experience with communication, healthcare providers can identify areas for improvement. This question can also help doctors gauge their effectiveness in explaining medical conditions, treatment options, and potential risks.
2. Did the healthcare provider listen to your concerns and address them adequately?
Listening to patients’ concerns and addressing them is critical to patient care. By asking patients if their concerns were adequately addressed, doctors can evaluate their performance in understanding and meeting patient needs. This question can also help identify areas where doctors may need to improve listening skills.
3. How satisfied are you with the quality of care provided?
Patient satisfaction is a necessary indicator of the overall quality of healthcare services. By asking patients to rate their satisfaction with the care they received, doctors gain insight into the effectiveness of their treatment plans. This question can also help identify areas where doctors can improve patient experiences and outcomes.
4. Did the healthcare provider involve you in decision-making regarding your treatment?
Sharing the process of decision-making is an important aspect of patient care. By involving patients in decisions about their treatment, doctors can ensure that their preferences and values are considered. Asking patients if they were involved in decision-making can help doctors review their ability to engage patients in their care plan.
5. Did the doctor take enough time to explain your medical condition and treatment options?
Understanding a diagnosed medical condition and available treatment options is vital for informed decision-making. By asking patients if their doctor took the time to explain these aspects, healthcare providers can evaluate their communication skills and ensure patients have a clear understanding of their health status and treatment options.
6. Were you treated with respect and dignity?
Treating patients with respect and dignity is a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare. By asking about patient experiences regarding respect and dignity, doctors can assess their own and their staff’s professionalism and bedside manner. This question can help identify areas where improvements may be needed in interpersonal skills and patient-centered care.
7. Would you recommend this doctor to others?
Word-of-mouth recommendations can greatly influence patients’ decisions when choosing healthcare providers. By asking patients if they would recommend their doctor to others, your office can gauge patient satisfaction and identify areas for improvement. This question can also serve as a measure of the overall patient experience and the effectiveness of the care provided.
Patient surveys are valuable tools for healthcare providers to gather feedback and improve the quality of care. Including these seven questions in patient surveys helps doctors gain insight into areas where patients are happy and where they could get better attention.
