Patient satisfaction scores are considerably lower during the winter months — and “winter blues” or seasonal depression among patients is a significant factor in this decline, according to a recent study by Press Ganey.
Regardless of the region, data revealed a dip in patient satisfaction for the period of January through March during the past six years. In 2010, a study of approximately 2,000 hospitals found the lowest levels of patient satisfaction occurred in February. On the other hand, highest levels of satisfaction in 2010 recorded in mid-August.
Winter blues, or seasonal affective disorder, has been attributed as a factor since it leaves many patients arriving to the hospital already depressed. Other reasons were also noted by Press Ganey’s chief scientist, Dennis Kaldenberg, PhD. “January-March is often the time period with the highest occupancy and patient acuity for the hospital. Secondly, more patients are admitted through the emergency departments during these months — and patients who enter the hospital through an ED generally report lower satisfaction levels.”
Read the Press Ganey news release on patient satisfaction.
Read more about patient satisfaction:
– The Importance of Patient Experience for Hospitals: Why it Pays to Excel
– The Four Cornerstones of an Exceptional Patient Experience
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