Press Ganey just released an interesting study regarding the major drivers of patient satisfaction with doctors.  What surprised me most is that caregiver sensitivity and cheerfulness are more important to patients than is the quality of the care received (exam room comfort and waiting time followed in importance).  This implies that doctors should put a great deal of emphasis on patients’ feelings, comfort and time if they want to satisfy and keep their customers.  It’s great to see data like this that stresses the need for information that helps patients choose providers based on their sensitivity, comfort and timeliness.

Additionally, the study has great information on how even small wait times can greatly decrease patient satisfaction, and how appointments for certain professions (e.g., Ob-Gyn, Gastroenterology and Dermatology) are the hardest to schedule.  This study helps to prove the value of online doctor booking services that not only let patients schedule timely appointments in a convenient fashion, but also provide valuable information to help patients choose the right doctor for them.  [via Health Populi]