Comparing satisfaction levels of inpatients and outpatients with a diabetes teaching program.

With the changing climate of health care there is an increasing need to offer diabetes education in outpatient rather than inpatient settings. This study was conducted to determine if there is a significant difference in the satisfaction level between inpatients and outpatients receiving diabetes teaching in the same program. Patient satisfaction with the practitioner is a determinant of patient learning and compliance. The study included 42 inpatients and 47 outpatients who participated in the same program and were taught by the same teaching nurses and dietitians. A questionnaire developed for this study examined six areas: (1) demographics; (2) patients' perception of understanding their diabetic condition and treatment; (3) comfort in class; (4) perception regarding treatment as an individual; (5) life satisfaction; and (6) influence of recommendations on future health. The results of the study showed a significant difference (P less than 0.05) in two areas: (1) inpatients felt that more interest and concern were shown towards them than outpatients and (2) more inpatients than outpatients felt they were treated more like individuals than cases. The results indicated that the personalized and ongoing contact inpatients have with the practitioner determine the degree of satisfaction with diabetes teaching received in these important areas.