Letter to the Editor

Make Eye Contact, Sit Down, and Touch Your Patient

Authors: Dawn A. Marcus, MD

Abstract

To the Editor:


Patient satisfaction is an important marker of high-quality health care. Working to improve patient satisfaction has been linked to increased efficiency and efficacy in healthcare facilities.1 Among patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction, higher satisfaction scores were linked to lower inpatient mortality.2 An article addressing the challenges of improving patient satisfaction noted that substantial improvements can occur without a large financial resource investment. These improvements include providing patients with respect, friendliness, and concern, and being empathetic to their discomfort and stress.3

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References

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2. Glickman SW, Boulding W, Manary M, et al. Patient satisfaction and its relationship with clinical quality and inpatient mortality in acute myocardial infarction. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2010; 3: 188–195.
 
3. Press I. The academic medical center and patient satisfaction. Q Manage Health Care 2008; 17: 275–279.
 
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11. Joshi PD, Almeida M, Shete PD. Attitudes toward physical contact in a therapeutic setting: role of gender and expertise. J Indian Acad Appl Psychol 2010; 36: 35–43.