The impact of detailed explanatory leaflets on patient satisfaction with urodynamic consultation: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: To develop and validate a scale that is applicable in Belgium to investigate the aspects of female patients' satisfaction with urodynamic consultation, and to use it to measure the impact of a detailed explanatory leaflet on their satisfaction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Question items were obtained from a group consensus (Delphi process). Each item was scored on a five-point Likert scale. The satisfaction scale was administered to two groups of patients attending the clinics for urodynamics. One hundred twenty-nine patients were included in the study and randomized in two groups. One group (n = 60) received a detailed explanatory leaflet about urodynamic consultation and the other did not (n = 69). Responses were subjected to a reliability and principal component analysis (PCA) to achieve data reduction and analysis, and to assess the reliability of the new scale. Relevant items were retained to compare both interventions using regression analysis.

RESULTS: A 15-item scale was derived from the Delphi process. Exploratory factor analysis suggested a single factor solution with 11 meaningful items. No significant difference was noted in global scores of satisfaction between the two groups (P = 0.051).

CONCLUSIONS: A short-form patient satisfaction scale with acceptable validity and reliability was developed and used to measure patient satisfaction with urodynamic consultation in this population of Belgian women. This study did not provide support for the effectiveness of explanatory leaflets in improving satisfaction. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:374-379, 2009. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.