Research presented at the 30th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Pain Medicine finds postsurgical pain scores were closely correlated to patient satisfaction scores, according to a news release.
Researchers compared the results of HCAHPS scores and the pain scores assessed by the post-anesthesia care unit visual analog scale, a scale used to gather psychological measurements like pain, from approximately 3,000 patients and found results from the two were positively correlated.
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!
Additionally, patients who underwent surgery related to the spine, non-spine orthopedics and obstetrics and gynecology showed closer correlation between HCAHPS scores and PACU scores than patients of other surgeries, which researchers suggest should question the "appropriateness of universal application of patient satisfaction surveys" and its ties to reimbursement.
Researchers also suggest more research is needed on identifying anesthetic techniques, as well as improved post-operative pain control for patients.
More Articles on Patient Satisfaction:
Study: Patient Satisfaction Can Be High, Even in Emergencies
Patients Prefer Physicians as Sources of Treatment Information
Earlier Palliative Care Improves Cancer Patient Satisfaction