Patient satisfaction after outpatient hysteroscopy: a retrospective descriptive study

Abstract

Background. The aim of the study is to analyse the overall satisfaction level of patients undergoing diagnostic and/or therapeutic hysteroscopy in an ambulatory setting and examine factors related to satisfaction. Methods. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted to analyse outpatient hysteroscopies performed between January 2020 and June 2022 at the University Hospital of Igualada. Patient demographic and clinical data as well as hysteroscopic features were collected. A telephonic questionnaire on patient satisfaction was conducted retrospectively. Results. A total of 435 hysteroscopies were analysed. Hysteroscopy was successful in 95.6% of them with a clinical remission in 69.8% of patients. The mean pain score was 3.33 (Visual Analogue Scale). An average overall satisfaction score of 9 was obtained. Pain was the main reason in patients with low satisfaction ratings. A positive correlation was found between the patient satisfaction score and the level of information received before the procedure. An inverse relationship was detected between the patient satisfaction score and the pain experienced during the hysteroscopy. Conclusions. Outpatient diagnostic and/or therapeutic hysteroscopy is a technique accepted by the majority of patients and with a high level of satisfaction. Variables such as pain or the previous information received are important and directly related to the final satisfaction level of the procedure.