Who presents satisfied? Non-modifiable factors associated with patient satisfaction among gynecologic oncology clinic patients

Objective To examine associations between non-modifiable patient factors and patient satisfaction (PS) among women presenting to a gynecologic oncology clinic. Methods This is a cross sectional analysis of patients presenting for surgical management by a gynecologic oncologist at a tertiary care academic medical center. The Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ-18) that measures PS in seven domains of health care was administered. Scores were converted to “satisfied” versus “unsatisfied/equivocal”. Demographic and medical factors were obtained from the medical record. Chi-square, t-tests, and multivariable logistic regression were used. Results 208 patients completed the baseline patient satisfaction questionnaire and the median PSQ-18 score was 70.5 (range: 42–90). Median age was 58 years (range: 22–93). Several non-modifiable factors were associated with PS. White patients had higher interpersonal PS than minorities (86% v 65%, p = 0.002). The uninsured had lower interpersonal (60% v 86%, p = 0.003) and accessibility PS (33% v 67%, p = 0.03). Increasing education and less time travelled to care were both associated with higher interpersonal (p = 0.03, p = 0.05) and accessibility PS (p = 0.01, p = 0.01). There was no association between clinical factors (BMI, comorbidities, cancer) and PS. In multivariable analysis, the strongest predictor of interpersonal PS was white race while the strongest predictors of accessibility PS were time travelled to care and insurance status. Conclusions Patient satisfaction scores among patients presenting to a gynecologic oncology clinic are associated with non-modifiable demographic, financial and geographic factors. Pay for performance measures that use summed patient satisfaction scores may penalize hospitals for patient-mix driven differences.