When patients step into Irish acute public hospitals, their expectations centre around care, dignity, and healing. For many, their experiences define not just their perceptions of the healthcare system, but also their trust in it. The 2024 National Inpatient Experience Survey reveals the voices of 12,367 patients, shedding light on what our hospitals are doing well and where improvements are critically needed.
This blog explores the survey’s findings, from areas of excellence to opportunities for growth, providing insights invaluable for patient advocates, healthcare policymakers, and individuals navigating the complexities of the healthcare system.
What Is the National Inpatient Experience Survey?
The National Inpatient Experience Survey is an annual initiative conducted under the National Care Experience Programme by HIQA, the HSE, and the Department of Health. The survey gives patients a platform to share their experiences in public acute hospitals.
The 2024 edition represented the sixth iteration, gathering responses from over 40 hospitals and achieving a response rate of 41% from patients discharged in May 2024. Questions spanned five core areas of healthcare, ranging from admission experiences to communication about discharge and aftercare.
Key Findings from the 2024 Survey
Areas of Excellence:
- Respect and Dignity
- A remarkable 83.8% of patients felt they were consistently treated with respect and dignity during their hospital stay, making it the highest-rated aspect of care.
- Confidence in Safety
- 79% of respondents reported strong confidence in the safety of their treatment and care, showcasing advancements in patient safety measures.
- Pain Management
- Among participants experiencing pain, 78.7% believed staff did everything they could to manage it effectively.
- Communication on Treatment
- 69.3% of patients noted effective communication among hospital staff regarding their treatment, highlighting teamwork and coordination.
Areas Needing Improvement:
- Staff Availability for Emotional Support
- 19.7% of patients reported that they couldn’t find staff to discuss their worries or fears. Emotional care is clearly a growing concern.
- Doctor-Patient Time
- 9.9% stated that they didn’t have enough time to discuss their treatment with a doctor, while some felt they were not sufficiently involved in making decisions about their care.
- Discharge and Aftercare Information
- 15.3% of respondents felt they were not given adequate instructions about managing their condition or understanding the purpose and side effects of prescribed medications upon leaving the hospital.
- Emergency Department Waits
- Over 13% of surveyed patients waited more than 24 hours in A&E before being admitted, a significant barrier to achieving timeliness in care.
Survey Insights on Patient Groups
1. Gender Differences
Male participants generally rated their care experiences higher (average score of 8.5/10) compared to 8.1/10 for females.
2. Age Group Variations
Those aged 16–35 consistently reported less positive experiences compared to older adults aged 66–80, who noted the most satisfaction at nearly every stage of care.
3. Disability and Care Disparities
Patients with disabilities experienced poorer care across all survey metrics, highlighting a need for greater inclusivity, attention, and tailored support.
4. Planned vs Emergency Admissions
Planned admissions were associated with significantly better experiences compared to emergency cases. 93.5% of planned admission participants reported positive experiences, compared to 82.5% of those admitted in emergencies.
Strategic Insights for Advocates and Claimants in Medical Negligence Cases
For patient advocates or medical negligence claimants, these findings offer important insights into common healthcare gaps. Many reported cases of poor communication, inadequate aftercare planning, and patient safety issues, which are consistent elements in medical negligence claims.
If you suspect injury caused by substandard care in a hospital setting, understanding the processes involved can aid your steps. Start by documenting your case, gathering medical records, and contacting one of our specialised medical negligence solicitors.
Actions Hospitals Will Take Next
The HSE is committed to addressing survey findings through targeted quality improvement plans, particularly focusing on:
- Increasing preparedness and staff accessibility for emotional patient support.
- Expanding discharge planning education, ensuring clarity on medications and at-home care procedures.
- Tackling long A&E wait times through capacity-building initiatives.
Clear accountability will be enabled through responses coordinated by local health regions and monitored by national oversight groups.
Concluding Thoughts for Patient Advocates
The 2024 National Inpatient Experience Survey helps illuminate the patient’s perspective of Irish acute care. While significant strides in dignity, communication, and safety deserve recognition, gaps in emotional support, patient engagement, and timely discharge emphasise where further focus is needed.
For patient advocates, understanding these highlighted areas of improvement better equips you to support patients facing systemic challenges. Whether advocating for policy changes, providing emotional support, or guiding individuals through claims processes, your role remains vital in driving meaningful healthcare improvements.
