The influence of patients' participation in research on their satisfaction

Purpose: To determine if there was a difference between patients participating in research and those who did not regarding their satisfaction with the medical encounter and their physician.

Methods: We prospectively randomized 128 patients to either complete 20 minutes of questionnaires (participate in research) or not. After the visit, all patients rated their satisfaction with their visit and satisfaction with the doctor on an 11-point ordinal satisfaction scales, with 0 being not at all satisfied and 10 being completely satisfied. Average satisfaction scores were analyzed in relation to demographics, questionnaires, and involvement in research.

Results: There were no significant differences between patients that did and did not participate in research for satisfaction with the medical encounter or satisfaction with the treating physician. Satisfaction was not associated with marital status, work status, or diagnosis. There was a significant correlation between greater satisfaction and both less education and lower self-efficacy. There was no significant correlation between patient satisfaction and magnitude of disability, pain intensity, or health anxiety.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that patients' participation in research can coexist with patient satisfaction.

Type of study/level of evidence: Prognostic I.