Korean J Pediatr.  2015 Dec;58(12):466-471. 10.3345/kjp.2015.58.12.466.

Parental satisfaction with pediatric emergency care: a nationwide, cross-sectional survey in Korea

• Jang HY
• Kwak YH
• Park JO
• Kim DK
• Lee JH

• KMID: 2135248
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2015.58.12.466

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study attempted to examine parental satisfaction with pediatric emergency care (PEC) in Korea and investigate the features influencing overall satisfaction.
METHODS
A nationwide, cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents who had taken their children to an Emergency Department (ED) in the three years prior to the study. A 21-item, structured questionnaire was administered to the parents through a web-based system. Participants' satisfaction levels and the strength of the association between PEC components and overall satisfaction were rated using a 7-point Likert scale.
RESULTS
In total, 1,000 parents participated in the survey, of which 402 (40.2%) stated that they were generally satisfied with the delivered PEC. Female participants, mothers, and parents with low-acuity patients were more likely to be dissatisfied with the delivered PEC. Although the ED environment was the lowest level of satisfaction, it did not significantly influence the respondents' overall levels of satisfaction. The most influential factors in terms of overall satisfaction were "nurses' professionalism" and "doctors' attitude and proper explanation".
CONCLUSION
Parents' overall level of satisfaction with PEC is relatively low and is closely related to factors associated with ED personnel.

Keyword

Personal satisfaction; Hospital emergency service; Child

MeSH Terms

Child
Cross-Sectional Studies*
Emergencies*
Emergency Medical Services*
Emergency Service, Hospital
Female
Humans
Korea*
Mothers
Parents*
Personal Satisfaction