Properties of the Picker Patient Experience questionnaire in a randomized controlled trial of long versus short form survey instruments.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of the 15-item Picker Patient Experience questionnaire (PPE-15) when embedded in a short form instrument as compared with a longer form measure.

Methods: A postal questionnaire survey of patients recently discharged from two hospital trusts was carried out. Patients were randomized to receive the PPE-15 in either a four-page or a 12-page survey instrument.

Factors relating to patients' reports about hospital care for coronary heart disease in England.

Objectives: All health care providers in England are required to conduct surveys of their patients' experience of health care. Data from such surveys contribute to the 'star rating' performance indicators. However, there are concerns that these subjective measures may be influenced more by characteristics of patients than by true variations in the quality of care.