Patient satisfaction
There was no difference in the overall patient
satisfaction between the groups. When the groups were
compared for each satisfaction dimension at the three
measurement times, pathway patients were less satisfied at
the three-month time point. This result was a consequence
of lower ratings by the pathway group regarding their
involvement in the decision making process about their
care and in the communication processes. The standard
care group scores at the three measurement points
demonstrated a gradual increase, whereas the pathway
group recorded an increase between admission and
discharge followed by a fall at three months. It is not clear
why these scores had decreased in the pathway group
between their discharge and the three-month point.
Possible reasons for this finding include that there may
have been a memory effect influencing the scores.
However, if this was the case then it could be expected to
be affecting both groups given their demographic
similarity. Alternatively, the pathway group may have had
negative experiences in the post discharge period or a
slower than expected rate of recovery which may account
for their lower satisfaction levels at the three month end
point