Patient satisfaction is influenced by multiple factors,and different popula
tions are expected to define satisfaction in terms of their novel perspecti
ves. Despite growing interest in patient satisfaction, an extensive Literat
ure search reveals no studies of nursing home residents' satisfaction with
respect to medical care. in an initial qualitative study using transcripts
of interviews conducted as part of a state quality control mandate, categor
ies are identified that make up this population's construct of satisfaction
and dissatisfaction. These categories serve as building blocks for designi
ng future studies investigating these issues;ind allowing for comparison of
nursing home residents' ideas of satisfaction and dissatisfaction to other
older patients, including those in an outpatient geriatric setting.