OBJECTIVES: We collected and analyzed qualitative data in order to evaluate the domains of a patient reported, treatment satisfaction measure, the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM©). METHODS: Qualitative data was obtained through three geographically-distributed patient focus groups (N=27), convened in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston. Participants had the following medical conditions: asthma, arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression/anxiety, diabetes, infectious disease, migraine, and psoriasis. Content analysis was conducted on qualitative data for a patient perspective of domains of treatment satisfaction within the TSQM©. RESULTS: The results contribute to a deeper understanding of treatment satisfaction. The following domains were supported through our qualitative analyses: effectiveness, side effects, convenience, and impact on daily life/functioning. Patient quotes illuminated and provided evidence for each domain discussed. Effectiveness was identified by patients as the most important consideration for satisfaction, irrespective of the patient's condition. Effectiveness comprised 1) consistency of effect; 2) time before onset of effect; 3) degree of symptom relief; and 4) duration. Side effects were also identified as among the most important considerations for satisfaction, and some patients, such as those on chemotherapy, identified it as the most important consideration. If two drugs have the same effectiveness, then side effects become most important. Convenience was found to be important because it impacts lifestyle and consists of three components: ease-of-use, drug form and/or mode of administration, and administrative characteristics. Finally, patients were greatly concerned about the impact their treatment would have on their ability to function in their daily activities. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to the understanding of medication treatment satisfaction from the patient's perspective. Rigorous qualitative methodology was used to assess the domain structure of a new instrument developed and validated to measure treatment satisfaction across therapeutic areas (TSQM©).