Impact of the Introduction of Accreditation Standards on the Satisfaction of Patients in Cardiology Departments

Background: It can be presumed that introducing accreditation standards and obtaining national accreditation by a hospital should translate into increased patient satisfaction. The aim was to analyze the impact of introducing accreditation standards on patient satisfaction in cardiology departments. Methods: 1080 patients, who were hospitalized in four cardiological wards (W1-W4) between 2009-2015, were asked to complete a 22-item questionnaire that assessed the level of their satisfaction with their medical care. 58 questionnaires were excluded because of incomplete data. The hospital was accredited in 2013. Results: In 3 of the 4 wards, a statistically higher total score (the patient was more satisfied) in the period after the accreditation (2013-2015) compared to the period before the accreditation (2009-2012) was as follows: W1 (80.37 +/- 6.54 vs. 83.85 +/- 5.9; p = 0.0004), W2 (79.95 +/- 7.62 vs. 81.46 +/- 8.2: p = 0.0376), W4: (78.84 +/- 7.94 vs. 84.91 +/- 5.57; p = 0.0376); in one ward, there was no statistical difference: W3 (80.11 +/- 8.42 vs. 81.07 +/- 8.15; p = 0.3284). A significant difference was found in the number of points for the total assessment that were collected for all of the analyzed departments throughout the entire period (2009-2015)-W1: p = 0.0032; W2: p = 0.0176; W3: p = 0.0313 and W4: p < 0.0001). The medium-term rate of the change of the total score decreased after the accreditation. Conclusion: Preparing a hospital for a national accreditation program brought significant benefits for patients in a long-term observation.

Automated summary

The introduction of accreditation standards in cardiology departments had a positive impact on patient satisfaction, with most wards showing increased patient satisfaction after accreditation. However, some wards did not show significant changes in patient satisfaction.