Background: COVID-19, declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, affected hospital operations by increasing the number of patients presenting to hospitals, the necessity to control infections, and the shortage of staff. Through our study, we evaluated the quality and quantity of care and how these changes affected patient experience and outcomes, and we identified actionable methods in order to prepare for the future. Methods: We analyzed data between 2020 and the first half of 2023 from a Romanian tertiary military hospital using patient-reported experience surveys and operational indicators (readmissions, postoperative complications). Associations were assessed using Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients. We then benchmarked against an ideal surge-ready hospital using a 0-1 Composite Risk Index (CRI) that integrates occupancy, adverse-event density, flow reliability, and readmissions. Results: Overall satisfaction was strongly influenced by satisfaction with medical care (p < 0.001). Higher overall satisfaction was associated with fewer readmissions. Benchmarking showed the highest risk in the ICU, intermediate in Surgery and Internal Medicine, moderate in the ED, and the lowest in the Ambulatory. Satisfaction was highest in the initial period of the COVID-19 pandemic, dropped in 2022, and showed partial recovery at the end of this period. Conclusions: Quality of care is a critical measure of hospital performance, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Patient feedback revealed areas of good practice and also the limits of the system, influenced by the burden of multisystem disease and limited resources. Post-COVID-19 disability outcomes are strongly influenced by the quality and continuity of care. Systematic use of patient- reported outcomes, standardized evaluation, and adaptive rehabilitation is essential to preserve the quality of care and reduce long- term functional impairment.
Background and Aim: Information on patients' experiences with and evaluations of health care is considered an essential outcome indicator to assess the quality of health care. This study aims to evaluate patient satisfaction with primary health care in a military setting. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the primary health care center located in a military setting, in Ankara, Turkey. A total of 3080 military personnel who received primary care in the last 12 months formed the population of the study. Turkish version of the European task force on patient evaluations of general practice care (EUROPEP) questionnaire was administered to the participants. Results: In the study, 2677 participants were reached with a response rate of 86.9%. The mean satisfaction rate (MSR) of clinical behaviour (69.3%) was higher than the MSR of the organization of care (58.4%). The MSR of the overall questionnaire was 67.1%. Significant differences were observed in the mean satisfaction scores of patients according to their descriptive characteristics including gender, age level, troop type, and the doctor providing the care. Conclusions: This study highlights the low patient satisfaction levels, which may have resulted from the fact that the study population was young and relatively healthy, and that there was no possibility of choosing the general practitioner. The EUROPEP questionnaire, which is an internationally validated and standardized instrument, can also be used to improve primary health care in military settings.
Today's recognition of health as a fundamental value of humanity and the spectacular digital evolution of the environment dominated by permanent and dynamic changes has brought healthcare marketing to the forefront. The trends continuously affecting medical services have generated the need for increased involvement of marketing, with all current developments in healthcare having an indispensable marketing dimension. The successful implementation of a health marketing strategy aimed at enhancing patient satisfaction and fostering a positive care recipient experience, coupled with the cost-effectiveness of the health services offered, has necessitated the development of an adaptive marketing function that harmonizes the set objectives, addresses capability gaps, accommodates cultural realities, and considers individual mentalities and situational circumstances. The direct interaction with patients has made it possible to understand the need for a new paradigm of healthcare services, the demand to comprehend patient satisfaction and positive experience, the call for creating innovative models to address the patient experience, and, above all, the requirement to communicate with the patient continuously and effectively throughout the continuum of healthcare. The challenge for the management of future health systems and organizations is encapsulated in the words of Professor Drucker, who stated that the best way to predict the future is to create it. An exploratory research on the state-of-the-art of the literature was conducted with key references to the most important aspects captured by specialists on positive patient experience and satisfaction, which contributes by highlighting the determining factors that have led to the paradigm shift in healthcare.
Background: Labia minora hypertrophy can lead to aesthetic dissatisfaction and functional discomfort among women, affecting their quality of life and sexual self-esteem. Traditional surgical labiaplasty techniques are effective but are associated with higher complication rates and longer recovery times. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction of laser labiaplasty as a minimally invasive alternative for labia minora reduction. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 60 female patients who underwent laser labiaplasty. Preoperative assessments included medical history, gynecological examination, and patient-reported concerns. The procedure utilized a CO₂ laser for tissue excision without the need for sutures. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated through follow-up visits and telephone interviews, focusing on complications, recovery time, and patient satisfaction measured by the Subjective Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (sGAIS). Results: The primary motivations for surgery were aesthetic concerns (85%) and functional discomfort (55%). The mean age was 34.7 years. Minor complications included transient postoperative bleeding (10%) and mild discomfort (25%), with no major complications reported. High satisfaction rates were observed, with 92% of patients reporting significant improvement (sGAIS scores of 4 or 5). Conclusions: Laser labiaplasty is an effective, minimally invasive procedure with high patient satisfaction and low complication rates. It offers a viable alternative to traditional surgical methods for women seeking labia minora reduction due to aesthetic or functional concerns.
