Theresa Steeb, Anja Wessely, Heike Merkl, Michael C. Kirchberger, Caroline Voskens, Michael Erdmann, Lucie Heinzerling, Carola Berking, Markus V. Heppt
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-3837

An important measure of hospital quality is the satisfaction of patients. The aim of this cross-sectional study, performed in the dermato-oncology unit of the university hospital in Erlangen, Germany, was to assess skin cancer patients’ degree of satisfaction with healthcare services. Self-administered questionnaires on patient satisfaction regarding contact with staff, need for information, and recommendation of the skin cancer centre were distributed in the day-care unit and the outpatient department to patients between April and June 2017. Results were reported descriptively and subgroup differences were explored using the Mann–Whitney U test, binary logistic regression, or χ2 test. Overall, 496 of 571 questionnaires were returned (86.9%). The median of all satisfaction items ranged between 1 (very good) and 2 (good). The majority of patients wanted more detailed information about skin cancer (46.7%, 142/304). Long waiting times were often criticized (22.8%; 80/351). Particular attention in addressing specific needs and fears may further increase patient satisfaction.

An important measure of hospital quality is patient satisfaction. This study examined skin cancer patients’ degree of satisfaction with healthcare services in the unit of dermato-oncology of the university hospital in Erlangen, Germany. Self-administered questionnaires on patient satisfaction regarding contact with staff, need for information, and recommendation of the skin cancer centre were distributed to patients in 2017. A total of 496 of 571 questionnaires were returned. Patients’ satisfaction for most aspects ranged between 1 (very good) and 2 (good). The majority of patients wanted more detailed information about skin cancer (46.7%, 142/304). Long waiting times were often criticized (22.8%; 80/351).