What is the main purpose of the HCAHPS survey?

The main purpose of the HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) survey is to measure patient satisfaction specifically related to their hospital experience. This standardized survey provides a way to collect data on patients' perceptions of their care. It focuses on critical aspects such as communication with doctors and nurses, the responsiveness of hospital staff, and the cleanliness of the hospital environment.

By measuring patient satisfaction, the HCAHPS survey enables hospitals to identify areas for improvement and enhance the overall patient experience. The findings from this survey are also publicly reported, allowing patients to make more informed choices about their healthcare providers based on satisfaction levels.

Although demographic information, employment satisfaction, and evaluation of hospital facilities are relevant topics, they do not capture the primary intent of the HCAHPS survey, which is to focus on how patients perceive the care they received during their hospital stay.