Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC) Practice Exam

What is considered the most reliable method for conducting a patient satisfaction survey?

1. telephone survey

2. written survey

3. email survey

4. personal interview

The correct answer is: written survey

A written survey is regarded as one of the most reliable methods for conducting a patient satisfaction survey due to its structured nature and ability to reach a broad audience efficiently. Written surveys can be distributed in various formats, such as paper forms or digital formats, allowing patients to complete them at their convenience. This method minimizes the potential for interviewer bias since responses are provided in private, enabling participants to express their opinions freely without feeling influenced by an interviewer. Furthermore, written surveys can incorporate a range of question types, including Likert scales and open-ended questions, which can capture both quantitative and qualitative data. This flexibility allows for comprehensive insights into patient experiences and satisfaction levels, making written surveys a preferred tool for gathering reliable feedback. In contrast, other methods such as telephone surveys, email surveys, and personal interviews can have limitations that may impact their reliability. For instance, telephone surveys may introduce interviewer bias, while email surveys may not reach all demographics effectively, especially older patients who may not engage with technology. Personal interviews, although providing in-depth responses, may not be feasible to conduct with a large patient population and can also introduce bias based on interpersonal dynamics.