Study shows sickest people most dissatisfied with care

Study shows sickest people most dissatisfied with care

Nursing home residents, who often have at least one or more chronic condition, are among the sickest individuals treated by the American healthcare system. This population's high utilization rates of healthcare services also could result in higher rates of dissatisfaction, a new report suggests.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in conjunction with National Public Radio and the Harvard School of Public Health, surveyed a population they termed “sick Americans,” which they defined as Americans with self-reported serious illnesses, conditions and disabilities requiring overnight hospitalizations within the last 12 months.

“Listening to the experiences of sick people provides a good barometer of what's happening in healthcare in America,” Harvard researcher Robert J. Blendon, Sc.D., said. “What is most striking is the significant number of people whose care has not been well-managed, and who have been turned away from care.”

Of the 1,508 adults polled, roughly 26% reported that their care wasn't well managed. One-quarter said a doctor, nurse or other health professional did not provide all the needed information about their treatment. Roughly 72% said they wished healthcare professionals spent more time talking with them.

Additionally, 3 in 10 individuals who are admitted to an inpatient facility say there was poor communication among the doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals involved in their care, researchers said.