Winneshiek Medical Center patient satisfaction survey results explained

Winneshiek Medical Center officials are continuing their campaign to make sure patients are happy with the care they receive at the hospital.

Winneshiek Medical Center surveys selected patients about the care they receive at the hospital.  For the period of January 1st through June 30th, these "Press Ganey" surveys showed a mean score of 90.2 percent of WMC being satisfied with their care.  However, that score places Winneshiek Medical Center in the 39th percentile among similar hospitals.  Mayo Clinic Health Systems would like Winneshiek Medical Center to score at least in the 42nd percentile, which would require a mean score of around 92 percent of hospital patients being satisfied with their care.

WMC currently is at the 67th percentile among emergency departments for patient satisfaction; however, Mayo Clinic Health System has a goal of the 68th percentile for all sites.

Patient satisfaction numbers were much higher for patients admitted to the hospital, but the overall patient satisfaction numbers were not where hospital officials wanted them to be.  One hospital employee called the numbers "a wake-up call."

Hospital officials say they're studying numerous small changes aimed at improving patient satisfaction.  It's part of a long-running campaign by the hospital to look for ways to deliver quality health care.