Recently Published
Patient satisfaction with nurse-led chronic kidney disease clinics: A multicentre evaluation
Sonya Coleman, Kathryn Havas, Susanne Ersham, Cassandra Stone, Bernadette Taylor, Anne Graham, Lorraine Bublitz, Louise Purtell, Ann Bonner
Journal of Renal Care 2017, 43 (1), 11-20
SUMMARY
Background
There is growing international evidence that nurse-led chronic kidney disease (CKD) clinics provide a comprehensive approach to achieving clinical targets effective in slowing the progression of CKD. Across Queensland, Australia, these clinics have been established in many renal outpatient departments although patient satisfaction with these clinics is unknown.
Objectives
To measure patient satisfaction levels with CKD nurse-led clinics.
Method
This was a cross-sectional study undertaken at five clinics located in metropolitan, regional and remote hospitals in Queensland. Participants were >18 years of age (no upper age limit) with CKD (non-dialysis) who attended CKD nurse-led clinics over a six month period (N = 873). They completed the Nurse Practitioner Patient Satisfaction questionnaire which was modified for CKD.
Results
The response rate was 64.3 % (n = 561); half of the respondents were male (55.5 %), there was a median age range of 71–80 years (43.5 %) and most respondents were pensioners or retired (84.2 %). While the majority reported that they were highly satisfied with the quality of care provided by the nurse (83.8 %), we detected differences in some aspects of satisfaction between genders, age groups and familiarity with the nurse. Overall, patients’ comments were highly positive with a few improvements to the service being suggested; these related to car-parking, providing more practical support, and having accessible locations.
Conclusion
In an era of person-centred care, it is important to measure patient satisfaction using appropriate and standardised questionnaires. Our results highlight that, to improve services, communication strategies should be optimised in nurse-led clinics.