Objective The aim of the study was to compare the satisfaction of patients of a general hospital with a university hospital. A patient satisfaction index was calculated based on the assessed levels of satisfaction. In general, higher satisfaction could lead to increased competitiveness and improved cost efficiency for achieving profitability. Methods The authors developed and administered a questionnaire on distinct parameters presumed to reflect the quality of the hospital stay to patients of a university hospital (University Hospital of Bonn, UKB, 1 224 beds) and a general hospital (Johanniterkrankenhaus, Bonn, JKH, 364 beds). Data were collected anonymously. Patient satisfaction and the relative importance of each parameter were assessed. The quotient of both parameters yields the patient satisfaction index (PZI). In order to account for possible differences in patient demands, statistical analysis was performed. Results The demands and wishes, satisfaction and importance of the retrieved parameters did not differ significantly between the patients of the hospitals in any of aspects assessed (information, participation, contact and comfort during the hospitalstay). The study showed that communication and the contact to physicians and nurses was significantly more important for the patients than comfort (each p < 0.001). The highest PZI were found in the categories entertainment (UKB 1.02; JKH 1.25) and contact to the nursing personnel (PZI UKB 0.94; PZI JKH 0.96). The standard of medical-technical care (UKB 0.93; JKH 0.95) was also highly ranked by patients of both hospitals. Needs for improvement related especially to the communication of errors (UKB 0.33; JKH 0.31). Discussion Surveillance of patient wishes and criticism may result in a more patient-oriented care on a daily basis. Scrutinizing the resources employed may lead to more efficient use of resources and personnel and thus help cut costs and improve the attractiveness of hospitals.
