Donabedian's Role In The Study Of Patient Satisfaction

Introduction
Patient satisfaction has been recognized as an essential component of several measures by which the quality of care is assessed. Many investigators and policymakers feel that its role in the assessment of quality of care is crucial(1,2). Donabedian has stated that "achieving and producing health and satisfaction is the ultimate validator of the quality of care" (2). The study of patient's satisfaction, aims in general, at determining the effect of satisfaction on patient behaviour in care seeking process, compliance with prescribed care and maintenance of relationship with care providers. In addition, satisfaction can be used as an indicator of perceived quality of care and can help the providers to understand patient point of view within the context of doctor-patient encounter (2)
There are
Older patients tend to report higher levels of satisfaction than do younger patients and that women tend to be more satisfied than men. In addition, patients with higher incomes and more education tend to be less satisfied with clinics probably because of their higher expectation.
B-Physical and psychological health: prior to receiving care, may cause patients to be more or less satisfied.
C-Attitudes and expectations: patients also tend to be more satisfied if their provider's behaviour conformed to their expectations. Expectations, however, differ greatly among patients and may be a function of personality, social and cultural values and the context in which care is received.

Factors related to health care provision
A- Related to structure: The organization of care accessibility, availability ,convenience of care ,and continuity of care, are found to be positively related to satisfaction (1).Waiting time is also found to be an important factor, the shorter the waiting time, the more will be the satisfaction with care provided