Perceived quality of care in pregnancy assessment before and after delivery

Objective: To assess the perceived quality of care in a group of pregnant w omen attended in a public Hospital. Study Design: All pregnant women seen a t the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona in 1996, Two study groups were defined: group A, women seen at the outpatient clinic as a regular follow-up visit f or pregnancy, and group B, women seen at the outpatient clinic for follow-u p after delivery. A satisfaction questionnaire survey was used in a random sample of both groups of women. Results: Total number of interviews perform ed was 174. Both groups, A and B were comparable. Scores recorded in both g roups were significantly different (P<0.01) for the clinical follow-up and privacy variables (regarded as better than expected). The difference in sco res for the information supplied was also statistically significant (P<0.01 ), but regarded as worst than expected. Conclusions: The analysis of satisf action does not seem to follow a linear, straightforward explanation The di fferences seen strongly suggest the need of patient's satisfaction surveys to be specific by dimension and tailored to patients' expectations. (C) 200 0 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.