Last update:
   04-Jul-2026
 

Arch Hellen Med, 43(5), September-October 2026, 631-639

ORIGINAL PAPER

Parental satisfaction of children hospitalized in a pediatric clinic of a Greek region

N. Rikos,1 M. Assargiotaki,2 A. Titomichelaki,3 M. Katsalaki,2 M. Linardakis,4 M. Rovithis5
1Department of Nursing, School of Health Science, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Heraklion, Crete
2"Venizelio" General Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete
3University General Hospital, Heraklion, Crete
4Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete
5Department of Business Administration and Tourism, School of Management and Economics Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

OBJECTIVE To investigate the level of satisfaction of parents/caregivers with the healthcare provided to their children, and the factors affecting their hospitalization.

METHOD An observational cross-sectional study was carried out on 117 parents, escorts or caregivers of children hospitalized in the pediatric clinic of a Greek general hospital during the autumn of 2022. The Overall Satisfaction with Hospitalization Scale was used and linear regression analysis was implemented to identify relevant factors, such as the characteristics of the parents/caregivers or children.

RESULTS A percentage of 72.6% of the parents were women with an average age of 37.4 years. Overall satisfaction with hospitalization ranged from moderate to high, with an average score between 3.86 and 4.29. Medical and nursing care received the highest mean satisfaction score compared to hospital environment (4.29 versus 3.86, p<0.001). Married/partnered parents reported significantly higher levels of satisfaction with medical and nursing care (unstandardized β=-0.370, p<0.05), hospital environment (β=-0.713, p<0.05), and overall satisfaction (β=-0.616, p<0.05). Children's better health status was associated with higher satisfaction with hospitalization organization and planning (β=-0.165, p<0.05) and overall satisfaction (β=-0.174, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS The findings indicated a generally high level of satisfaction across all hospital areas, with particularly elevated satisfaction with medical and nursing care. Family status and children' health status emerged as robust determinants of satisfaction. Healthcare professionals could enhance satisfaction levels by expediting the admission process for children and ensuring their swift recovery.

Key words: Family-centered care, Parental satisfaction, Pediatric healthcare, Quality of health services.

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