Analysis of feedback of private wards patients: missing links in patient satisfaction in services at tertiary care public hospital

Background: Feedback of client/customer is the key for improvement in any services. It is a precious input for identifying gaps and developing an effective action plan for quality improvement in any organization. Hence, patient feedback on services provided by the health care organization is important quality tool for improvement of services both in public and private hospitals. With the back ground this study was conceptualized with the aim to analyse feedback of inpatients admitted in private wards of a government tertiary care hospital of India, regarding hospital personnel and for basic amenities provided by the hospital. Methods: This was a record-based study where predesigned feedback forms of one year were analysed. Feedback was categorized under three themes and subthemes which were services provided by the hospital, infrastructure of the hospital and feedback with respect to the care provided by the hospital staff. Results: 80% patients were dissatisfied with the delay in conduct of investigations and receipt of reports and cleanliness in ward, housekeeping services and quality of food. As far as clinical care and soft skills of healthcare providers are concerned, 80% of the patients were satisfied by the care provided by doctors and nurses. Suggestions were analysed and implemented to strengthen the service delivery to initiate quality assurance. Conclusions: Major factors for dissatisfaction among patients are the unscientific processes which can be improved with minimum cost.