Patients' experiences with hospital care in five countries

Analysis of patient surveys carried out in Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, th e United Kingdom, and the United States in 1998-2000 revealed high rates of problems during inpatient hospital stays. Problems with information and ed ucation, coordination of care, respect for patients' preferences, emotional support, physical comfort, involvement of family and friends, and continui ty and transition were prevalent in all five countries. These dimensions of patients' experience appear to be salient and relevant in each of the five countries, but attempts to develop international rankings based on this ty pe of evidence will have to overcome a number of methodological problems.