A Survey Evaluating Patients’ Satisfaction with the Social Work Service Provided at a Rehabilitation Centre

Abstract

As patient satisfaction is an integral component of successful rehabilitation, evaluation of patient satisfaction is an important outcome in its own right. The aim of this study was to survey in-patients’ level of satisfaction with social work services provided at a rehabilitation centre. Seventy-three in-patients completed a purpose-designed survey. Data were analysed descriptively. A high level of satisfaction was reported in terms of the quality and access to the social work services, and interpersonal relationships between social work staff and patients. These results affirm that the social work service at the rehabilitation centre studied was effective from the perspective of patient satisfaction. This patient survey has provided useful information for clinicians by providing data that demonstrate patients’ satisfaction with their social work intervention and areas where the service can be improved. These findings will be of interest and relevance to social work staff working in other healthcare centres. Future research using a qualitative approach may be worthwhile to enable a more in-depth understanding of factors influencing patient satisfaction.

Abstract

Keywords:

• Patient Satisfaction
• Social Work
• Rehabilitation
• Outcome Assessment (Healthcare)
• Health Care Surveys

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank patients who participated in the study, SW staff, Ms Kathy Benger (HRC Volunteer Program Manager) and the volunteers who distributed the surveys, and the HRC Volunteers for funding Dr Kathy Stiller in her position at HRC.