| Hospitals
begin surveying patients
St. Mary's Hospital and Clearwater Valley Hospital will begin surveying their hospital, clinic and ER patients. The patient satisfaction survey will be mailed to patients shortly after their visit.  The
survey process will be ongoing and the results will be used as part of
their quality improvement program.
“We hope people will fill out their surveys and promptly return them in the postage paid envelope. We’ve contracted with a company to provide the service so that all responses will be strictly confidential,” said Casey Meza, CEO. “Nationally, many hospitals and clinics survey their patients so any potential problems can be identified and solved. We’ll truly use the feedback to reinforce the good things we do and correct the things that need correcting.” The survey company, Press Ganey, is located in South Bend, Indiana. They will do the survey mailing, collect the returned surveys and tabulate the results into a quarterly report. Not every patient will receive a survey, but a random sample will be selected. “In addition to the straightforward questions in different categories, there will be space on the survey form for comments so we’ll have numerical scores, as well as, written feedback,” said Meza. “People are also welcome to sign the survey form, but it is optional. We just want to really encourage patients to return the form so we’ll have reliable feedback.” Displays explaining the survey process and sample surveys are set up in the Orofino, Cottonwood, Kamiah and Kooskia medical clinics. The Nezperce, Craigmont and Pioneer Clinics have copies of the surveys and a fact sheet for interested patients to view. |
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