Association between patient characteristics and dissatisfaction after cranial neurosurgery: A prospective observational study

OBJECTIVES: Patient satisfaction is an indicator of the quality of healthcare. It can improve treatment adherence and health outcomes. This study aimed to determine the incidence, predictive factors, and impact of post-operative patient dissatisfaction with perioperative care after cranial neurosurgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care academic university hospital. Adult patients undergoing cranial neurosurgery were assessed for satisfaction 24 h after surgery using a five-point scale. The data regarding patient characteristics that may predict dissatisfaction after surgery were collected along with ambulation time and hospital stay. Shapiro–Wilk test was used to assess normality of data. Univariate analysis was performed using Mann–Whitney U-test and significant factors were entered into binary logistic regression model for identifying predictors. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Four hundred and ninety-six adult patients undergoing cranial neurosurgery were recruited into the study from September 2021 to June 2022. Data of 390 were analyzed. The incidence of patient dissatisfaction was 20.5%. On univariate analysis, literacy, economic status, pre-operative pain, and anxiety were associated with post-operative patient dissatisfaction. On logistic regression analysis, illiteracy, higher economic status, and no pre-operative anxiety were predictors of dissatisfaction. The patient dissatisfaction did not impact ambulation time or duration of hospital stay after the surgery. CONCLUSION: One in five patients reported dissatisfaction after cranial neurosurgery. Illiteracy, higher economic status, and no pre-operative anxiety were predictors of patient dissatisfaction. Dissatisfaction was not associated with delayed ambulation or hospital discharge.