# Improving patient satisfaction in a multidisciplinary pediatric feeding clinic

## TL;DR

This study aimed to improve patient satisfaction in a pediatric feeding clinic by reducing wait times, enhancing communication, and involving families in decision-making.

## Contribution

The study introduces a multidisciplinary approach to improve patient satisfaction by implementing specific interventions like reducing wait times and optimizing clinic space.

## Key findings

- Significant improvements were noted in communication and family involvement after implementing interventions.
- Overall satisfaction was rated as highly satisfactory, but areas like wait times and education still need improvement.

## Abstract

Pediatric feeding disorders can result from psychosocial dysfunction, poor feeding skills, or medical or nutritional disorders. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate patient satisfaction at the multidisciplinary feeding clinic (MFC) and improve patient satisfaction by reducing patient wait times, improving communication, maximizing clinic space, and expanding inclusivity of our patients and their families in the decision‐making process.

A survey was created with 14 questions and distributed to all patients who came to the MFC at the University of Iowa. The baseline surveys were administered from September 2021 to November 2021. The following interventions were implemented: reducing time to room a patient, maximizing clinic space, increasing clinical efficiency, and providing more education. Follow‐up surveys were collected from December 2022 to March 2023.

A total of 84 subjects: 41 for the pre‐intervention group and 43 for the post‐intervention group. There were statistically significant differences noted in these categories: the team thoroughly explaining the treatment plan, answering all questions, and getting parents involved in the decision‐making process. Families appreciated the team making the patient feel included throughout the visit. Providing spacious rooms and short wait times were also rated highly.

Overall satisfaction for the MFC at the University of Iowa was rated as highly satisfactory. Areas of further improvement included shortening patient wait times and providing more education for families. This study highlights the continued importance of surveying patients to identify areas of improvement in multidisciplinary clinics.

Pediatric feeding disorders are complex and can significantly impact a child's well‐being.Team‐based approach to medically complex children has been shown to increase patient satisfaction and enhance quality of care.

Pediatric feeding disorders are complex and can significantly impact a child's well‐being.

Team‐based approach to medically complex children has been shown to increase patient satisfaction and enhance quality of care.

Multiple factors may influence patient satisfaction, including long wait times during the visit, communication, involvement of patients and families in decision‐making, and understanding of treatment plans.Reducing wait times, optimizing clinic space, and providing verbal and written instructions at the end of the visit are the keys to improving overall patient satisfaction.

Multiple factors may influence patient satisfaction, including long wait times during the visit, communication, involvement of patients and families in decision‐making, and understanding of treatment plans.

Reducing wait times, optimizing clinic space, and providing verbal and written instructions at the end of the visit are the keys to improving overall patient satisfaction.