Relevance of Quality Indicators for Supporting Patients’ Choice of Hospitals: An Online Survey
Author(s)
Malin Hüllemann, MASc1, Simin Tahmasebi-Gandomkari, M.Sc.2, André Hajek, Prof. Dr.2, Hans-Helmut König, Prof. Dr.2.
1Hamburg, Germany, 2University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
1Hamburg, Germany, 2University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
OBJECTIVES: Patients differ in their preferences when choosing a hospital. To select a hospital that aligns with these preferences, they need relevant information. While such information is generally available in Germany, it is often difficult to access and understand. This study aims to explore patient preferences regarding hospital quality indicators (QIs) for inpatient care, to identify the specific information patients want and need to make informed hospital choices.
METHODS: We used an online questionnaire to collect data on stated patient preferences regarding QIs for hospital choice. QIs had been identified based on a systematic literature review. Participants were asked to imagine needing elective surgery for two scenarios (Cholecystectomy and CABG), and we examined 43 QIs in both. The importance of each QI was assessed on a 6-point Likert-Scale. Data analysis included multiple linear regression analyses, both within each scenario as well as for differences between the two.
RESULTS: For both scenarios, the most important QIs were “Physician qualifications”, “Death rate” and “Hygiene”. Outcome QIs were generally rated more important than process and structure indicators. All QIs were rated more important for CABG, except “Previous experience”, “Public transport”, “Parking availability and cost”, “Scars”, “Proximity to hospital”, and “Length of stay (LOS)”. Preferences also varied according to sociodemographic factors such as age, gender, chronic diseases and previous hospital experience. All outcome indicators, as well as process indicators (except “Food”) were more important to women than men.
CONCLUSIONS: Preferences differ between surgical scenarios and are influenced by sociodemographic characteristics, with participants generally assigning higher importance to QIs for CABG than for cholecystectomy. Outcome quality indicators are considered most important across both scenarios, highlighting a general preference for outcome over process and structure indicators. Transparent, accessible, and patient-centered presentation of hospital quality information is essential to support informed and preference-sensitive hospital choices.
METHODS: We used an online questionnaire to collect data on stated patient preferences regarding QIs for hospital choice. QIs had been identified based on a systematic literature review. Participants were asked to imagine needing elective surgery for two scenarios (Cholecystectomy and CABG), and we examined 43 QIs in both. The importance of each QI was assessed on a 6-point Likert-Scale. Data analysis included multiple linear regression analyses, both within each scenario as well as for differences between the two.
RESULTS: For both scenarios, the most important QIs were “Physician qualifications”, “Death rate” and “Hygiene”. Outcome QIs were generally rated more important than process and structure indicators. All QIs were rated more important for CABG, except “Previous experience”, “Public transport”, “Parking availability and cost”, “Scars”, “Proximity to hospital”, and “Length of stay (LOS)”. Preferences also varied according to sociodemographic factors such as age, gender, chronic diseases and previous hospital experience. All outcome indicators, as well as process indicators (except “Food”) were more important to women than men.
CONCLUSIONS: Preferences differ between surgical scenarios and are influenced by sociodemographic characteristics, with participants generally assigning higher importance to QIs for CABG than for cholecystectomy. Outcome quality indicators are considered most important across both scenarios, highlighting a general preference for outcome over process and structure indicators. Transparent, accessible, and patient-centered presentation of hospital quality information is essential to support informed and preference-sensitive hospital choices.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
PCR209
Topic
Health Policy & Regulatory, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care, Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Patient Behavior and Incentives
Disease
Cardiovascular Disorders (including MI, Stroke, Circulatory), Gastrointestinal Disorders, No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas