Table 1.
Results of the GKinD patient satisfaction and quality of care surveys on the pediatric surgery ward before (PA-−) and after (PA+) the introduction of PAs. Scale from 1 to 6 with lower values being better
| Item | PA− | PA+ | Significance (P) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N | Mean ± SD | n | Mean ± SD | ||
| The interview at admission was understandable and empathic. | 83 | 1.35 ± 0.86 | 187 | 1.16 ± 0.62 | a0.042 |
| HCP took their time to care for my child and me. | 84 | 1.35 ± 0.81 | 173 | 1.29 ± 0.90 | 0.665 |
| Waiting times at admission were appropriate. | 83 | 2.04 ± 1.76 | 176 | 2.02 ± 1.46 | 0.949 |
| The nurses were friendly towards my child and me. | 92 | 1.10 ± 0.49 | 179 | 1.10 ± 0.45 | 0.964 |
| I had trust in the nurses. | 89 | 1.18 ± 0.51 | 165 | 1.18 ± 0.60 | 0.978 |
| The physicians were friendly towards my child and me. | 91 | 1.18 ± 0.63 | 178 | 1.11 ± 0.49 | 0.323 |
| I was well informed regarding necessary medical measures. | 89 | 1.45 ± 0.88 | 179 | 1.25 ± 0.70 | a0.041 |
| My questions to the physicians were answered comprehensible. | 90 | 1.26 ± 0.74 | 178 | 1.13 ± 0.48 | 0.110 |
| I had trust in the physicians. | 89 | 1.33 ± 0.93 | 175 | 1.11 ± 0.53 | a0.016 |
| The fears of my child were acknowledged and taken seriously. | 89 | 1.21 ± 1.15 | 174 | 1.00 ± 0.83 | a0.047 |
| My own fears and I were acknowledged and taken seriously. | 88 | 1.45 ± 1.23 | 171 | 1.13 ± 0.73 | a0.009 |
| The pain of my child was acknowledged and taken seriously. | 87 | 1.11 ± 0.64 | 176 | 1.09 ± 0.75 | 0.751 |
| During medical procedures, the reduction of pain for my child was always aimed at (taking blood samples, punctions, change of wound dressings). | 86 | 1.14 ± 0.78 | 173 | 1.02 ± 0.55 | 0.149 |
| Our privacy was respected. | 85 | 1.48 ± 1.19 | 175 | 1.46 ± 1.04 | 0.893 |
| My child and I were always treated with respect and dignity. | 88 | 1.16 ± 0.64 | 178 | 1.16 ± 0.64 | 0.983 |
| Information and preparation for my childs discharge was good. | 86 | 1.62 ± 1.27 | 177 | 1.35 ± 0.78 | a0.038 |
| Preparation and guidance on how to care for my child at home was good. | 84 | 1.37 ± 1.13 | 175 | 1.16 ± 0.52 | a0.042 |
| I know whether I have to continue giving medications at home. | 83 | 1.05 ± 0.87 | 181 | 1.03 ± 0.46 | 0.854 |
| I know whether I have to see a paediatrician for follow-up. | 84 | 1.15 ± 0.95 | 177 | 1.10 ± 0.60 | 0.585 |
| During this hospital stay I have felt good and safe. | 90 | 1.51 ± 0.78 | 175 | 1.30 ± 0.78 | a0.041 |
PA−, before Physician Assistants; PA+, with Physician Assistants; SD, standard deviation.
Satisfaction is measured using the German school grading system with 1 being the best achievable, termed “very good” (≥90%) and 6 as the worst achievable mark termed “not sufficient” (≤40%). The Student’s t-test was used to calculate significance;
a
Significant difference (P < 0.05), Statistically significant differences are marked in bold and highlighted in gray.