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Disadvantaged feel more respected in health settings

A full 85% of hospital patients surveyed in the sixth National Inpatient Experience Survey rated their hospital care experience positively, with 58% rating their care as “very good” and 27% as “good”.

The survey is part of the National Care Experience Programme, a joint initiative by HIQA (Health Information and Quality Authority), the HSE, and the Department of Health.

Rating improved

Compared with 2022 survey findings, the 2024 results show that patients’ rating of their overall care experiences has improved, particularly regarding being discharged from hospital.

A total of 83.8% of patients reported that they felt treated with respect and dignity, 79.1% said that they trusted hospital staff, 79% felt confident in the safety of their treatment and care, and almost 79% of patients reported adequate pain management.

Areas to be improved included:

• Being unable to find staff to discuss their worries,
• Not receiving enough information on managing their condition after discharge,
• Having to wait more than six hours before being admitted to a ward, and
• Their families not having enough opportunities to talk to a doctor.

Fundamental

HIQA chief executive Angela Fitzgerald said: “Respecting individuals’ human rights is fundamental to delivering high-quality healthcare and is closely tied to patients’ overall experience.”

The survey found that patients from disadvantaged areas were more likely to report being treated with respect and dignity while in hospital, as well as receive more frequent introductions from hospital staff, and have higher satisfaction with hospital food in comparison with those from affluent areas.

In contrast, patients from affluent areas were less likely to feel they received adequate information on managing their condition post-discharge.