Comprehensive Analysis: NHS Patient Satisfaction Factors

This report presents a research proposal focused on analyzing the factors responsible for public satisfaction with the National Health Service (NHS) in England. The introduction outlines the research title, question, and objectives, aiming to understand patient satisfaction and identify strategies for enhancement. A comprehensive background section details the NHS's services, funding, and its impact on patient satisfaction, referencing existing literature on healthcare quality, patient-doctor relationships, and waiting times. The research methodology employs a pragmatic approach within an interpretivism philosophy, utilizing a descriptive research design to collect data through questionnaires. The proposal also includes a discussion of data analysis, ethical considerations, and a Gantt chart for project timelines. The study aims to contribute valuable insights into improving patient experiences and healthcare service delivery within the NHS. The report also considers the factors that contribute to patient satisfaction, including the quality of care, the behavior of healthcare providers, and the impact of waiting times. The research also considers the use of primary and secondary data sources, and the use of quantitative analysis. The researcher will also use thematic statistics to analyse the data from participants. The study is designed to guide the research process and ensure the validity and reliability of the findings.

RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY
COMPONENT 2

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
RESEARCH TITLE.........................................................................................................................1
RESEARCH QUESTION................................................................................................................1
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES............................................................................................................1
A BACKGROUND TO THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL...............................................................1
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.....................................................................................................4
DATA ANALYSIS..........................................................................................................................6
ETHICS, VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY ..................................................................................7
GANTT CHART.............................................................................................................................8
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
The following assessment is about the research design proposal (Flick, 2015). It is
basically concerned with factors responsible in satisfying the diversified patients by services
offered through NHS. So, this proposal is covering the different aspects in which NHS has been
satisfying its patients. Adding more to this, an appropriate research title has been provided. Also,
there is an inclusion of research question which will be act as guiding entity for research. There
also has been proposal for research in which the background of study has been discussed in
detail. Further, a research methodology has been included which will be acting as guide for
researcher to conduct the research further. Also, data analysis has been covered as well along
with ethical considerations, validity & reliability as well. In the end Gantt chart has been
included which will provide a timeline to all the tasks included in the research.
RESEARCH TITLE
“To analyse factors responsible for public satisfaction with the NHS.”
RESEARCH QUESTION
 What is the concept of patient satisfaction ?
 What are the factors which assist in providing satisfaction to the patients at NHS.
 What are the recommended strategies which can be adopted by NHS for enhancing
patient satisfaction ?
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
 To study the concept of patient satisfaction.
 To analyse the factors which assist in providing satisfaction to the patients at NHS.
 To recommend strategies which can be adopted by NHS for enhancing patient
satisfaction.
A BACKGROUND TO THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL
The research-proposal is a type of document responsible for proposing a research-project.
Its evaluation is done on the basis of involved costs and also the impact related to research that
has been proposed. The research project is entirely based upon the proposal. Furthermore, the
literature review assists critically reviewing the diversified elements and facts that are collected
from both primary and secondary sources. The utilisation of these two types of sources provide
more authenticity to the collected information.
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So, contextualising upon the current topic upon which the research proposal has been
formulated is analysation of the factors that are responsible for public satisfaction with the NHS.
The National Health Services in England is the topmost institution providing a wide range of
health-related services. Some of these services are even free for the local residents living in UK.
As estimated, it is able to deal with nearly 1 million patients within 36 hours. The funding of
NHS is entirely obtained from the taxation. They have consistently satisfying their patients by
providing ample of useful services. Their main motto is to attain shared vision of benefiting the
people by offering ample of health services like prevention of diabetes, improving the accessing
of psychological therapies by adults. Also, these services are offered at free of cost to the local
residents in UK. Overall this has created a positive impact upon the patients mind since all their
needs are effectively assessed.
Contextualising upon the concept of patient satisfaction, it is a type of measure depicting
the content within healthcare by different patients. It is also an effective contributor in evaluating
the quality of the health care provided. However, as argued by (Griffiths and et.al., 2016), no
such relevant relationship has been established in between healthcare quality and patient
satisfaction. The dependency of patient satisfaction is mainly showcased by efficiency as well as
duration within the care that is offered. This is also indicated by the behaviour of healthcare
providers that to what extent they are communicative as well as empathetic towards the patients.
According to (Elliott and et.al., 2014), the relationship level in between the patient and doctor
favours the satisfaction levels in them. It has also been found that those patients who are
consistently informed with the necessary healthcare procedures stay even more satisfied. This
does not considers the time boundation. Also, if the care providers within the healthcare sector
are satisfied in their respective jobs then they would be able to deliver effective services to their
patients.
There has been a consistent change observed within the needs and preferences of the
patients as they undergo through an integrated type healthcare system. The important elements
within the settings of emergency-care might not be important for those in primary-care. With the
aid of this. So, the respective factors in each of the setting are influenced by targetting the
resources that would cause improvements in making patient experience much better. As
contextualised by (Lunt and et.al., 2015), care provided by physician and nurse tend to enforce
higher levels of impact upon the patient satisfaction. The nursing has been treated as one of the
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most important aspect in settings related to patients. It has also been found out that if the waiting
time is increased within the primary health care services, the percentage in the patient-
satisfaction is often reduced.
It is the responsibility of health care organisations to provide appropriate care measures
to their patients. The quality of service offered to the patients has to be of high standards for
meeting their expectations. Adding more to this, if the expectations of patients are easily met by
the health care professionals then the overall image of that particular organisation also enhances
as argued by (Barnard and et.al., 2015). So, it can therefore be said that patient satisfaction is of
utter importance for every entity within the healthcare sector.
So, contextualising upon the present research to be conducted diversified aspects related
patient satisfaction have been effectively analysed. This will assist in obtaining the necessary
outcomes. To assist the work, utilisation of diversified primary as well as secondary resources
have been done. Quantitative analysis has also been done to obtain the desired outcomes. Also,
as per the main aim of research that is to analyse factors responsible for public satisfaction with
the NHS, various research methodologies have been undertaken to guide the research.
Contextualising upon the secondary sources, the research works of other researchers have also
been considered to amplify the desired outcomes from the research.
The rationale involved in choosing of this particular topic was the associated authenticity
of the collected elements. The information that was obtained from the primary and secondary
resources was very much relevant in relation to the chosen topic. Adding more to this the
researcher had keen interest within the healthcare services that grabbed his attention towards the
chosen topic. Also, he had been in keenly observing the NHS activities which led him to get
knowledge about the different aspects that contribute in getting patient satisfaction. He even
observed that the patients who were aided by the NHS healthcare services were very much
satisfied. So, this further led to him chose the topic to get deep knowledge regarding various
aspects of NHS.
Current study, the formulated objectives are in coordination with the topic of research.
This would be further assisting in effective carrying of the research. To obtain the primary data,
questionnaire will be circulated among 100 patients of NHS. Also, the methodology utilised
would be effectively guiding of the study. Also, in order to obtain relevant data from participants
in quantitative analysis, a level of difficulty was there, since there was a level of diversity in the
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opinions obtained from them. So, to get the desired outcomes use of thematics statistics has been
done.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The research methodology is a type of theoretical and systematic analysis done within the
fields of study (Vaioleti, 2016). It ensembles the different methods which constitute the
theoretical analysis along with the involved principles within the knowledge branch in
association to the involved principles. The research methodology acts as a guiding force in
carrying the research forward. Adding more to this, a rather effective role is played by it in
determining the probability that whether the research conducted will be successful or not. So, the
diversified methodologies that the researcher will be utilising to obtain the necessary outcomes
have been mentioned below. Approach of the research : The research approach constitutes various procedures and
plans that further assist in formulating the assumptions that too in proper sequence. The
problem's nature which will be addressed by the research, proves to be the basis in
formulating the approach (Smith, 2015). There are namely three categories involved in
the research approach which are inductive, deductive and abductive. So, contextualising
upon the aim and objectives of the current study to be carried out, researcher will be
utilising the pragmatic approach. This would assist in the testing of the various
formulated assumptions regarding theories that are usually involved. With the aid of
pragnmatic approach, the effectiveness of the proposed intervenes. Henceforth, most
appropriate method would be applied. The concepts involved in the research will be
analysed in an effective manner regarding the patient satisfaction by aspects of NHS. Philosophy of the research : The data in relation to the study will be made presentable
by the aid of research philosophy. Under it, the method of utilising, analysing and
gathering of data will be taken in consideration. With the aid of research philosophy the
various type of associated beliefs as well as assumptions would be done. Among the
available 4 categories of realism, pragmatiosm, positivism and realism, selection of
appropriate one would be done on the basis of aim and objectives of current study
(Panneerselvam, 2014). So, for the purpose of obtaining desired outcomes, researcher
will be utilising the interpretivism philosophy. This chosen approach will be assisting in
collecting and further studying the involved elements in deep manner. This will be adding
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more towards the enhancement of knowledge which will further help in effective carrying
of the research. The diversified range of interests regarding different individuals will be
integrated through the conducted study. Since, major part of the emphasis is pondered
upon the obtaining of deep meaning, the collection of reflected outcomes would be done
will be done through the participants. Then these reflected outcomes will be further made
applicable by aid of diversified methods. Adding more to this, the method of qualitative
analysis has been taken in consideration on the basis of chosen approach. Design of the research : This methodology assists in selecting for the purpose of
integrating the different study-components. This collection could either be in logical way
or according to coherent category as well. With this, the issue involved in the particular
research would be addressed in an effective manner. Adding more, with the aid of
research design, the incorporation of data measurement, analysation and collection will
be done within the blueprint (Corner and et.al., 2013). In context to the aim and
objectives of the present research topic, researcher will be utilising descriptive research
design. With the aid of this, researcher will be focussing upon more specific elements in
relation with the study. Not just the elements, but the overall procedures and root causes
will be covered as well by the researcher. So, the key concept of patient satisfaction in
relation to the diversified aspects of NHS will be effectively assessed by the researcher.
The various factors that assist NHS to deliver effective services in making the patients
satisfied will be studied by the researcher. Collection of data : The method of measurement and collection of information in context
with different target-variables that have been established come under data-collection.
With the aid of data collection, the involved research question will be answered in an
effective manner (Forbes and et.al., 2014). Henceforth, according to the desired aim &
objectives of current research, relevant outcomes will be obtained. The methodology of
data collection could be subdivided into two sub categories which are secondary as well
as primary. Within the primary collection, the information will be obtained from surveys,
questionnaires and interviews. On coming towards the secondary collection, information
will be obtained from articles, newspapers, published materials, research-work of
previous researchers, web portals. So, contextualising upon the current research
researchers will be gathering facts and figures from both primary as well as secondary
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sources. Contextualising upon the primary sources, questionnaire will be circulated
among 100 patients of NHS. Within this questionnaire, both open and close ended
questions will be included. This will further assist in collecting of more relevant and
authentic information (Boyce, Browne, and Greenhalgh, 2014). This will help in getting
desirable outcomes as per the established aim and objectives of research. Sampling : For the purpose of sampling, first of all a population of interest will be
chosen. Afterwards from the selected population of interest, appropriate units will be
chosen. The detailed and effective study of the chosen sample will further be assisting in
generalizing of the outcomes which will be obtained from the chosen set of sample. Also,
there is a non zero probability in context to each of the member present in the chosen
population of interest (Black, 2013). So, in coordination with the current study's aim and
objectives as well, researcher will be utilising the technique of random type sampling.
Henceforth, for the obtaining appropriate outcomes, information will be gathered from
100 patients of NHS to add more authentication. Moreover, this method of random
sampling will be assisting in reducing the error rates.
 Limitations of the research : There exist certain involvement of limitations in every type
of research that is carried. These need to be readily accepted in way of introducing the
relevant improvements. So, basically, this will be involving either the time-based limits
or appropriate information (Carter, Laurie and Dixon-Woods, 2015). This might even
have an inclusion of abundance in the resources. Emphasizing upon the present research,
the major identified limitation is the deficiency within the discussion terms.
DATA ANALYSIS
Data analysis section is one most important part of the research study and it aid for
completing the study in effective manner. It is vary important that data and information should
be collected from authentic and reliable sources so that information and data should be collected
from reliable and genuine sources. It will help for making the content of the study more effective
and outcomes and findings of the study will also be gained in effective manner. Moreover it is
critical that all the data which is collected in the research study.
Analysis of data can further be done through qualitative and quantitative methods and
both the techniques will help for properly analysing the data and information which has been
collected in the study and through this proper outcomes of the study will be gained and better
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and effective outcomes will be gained from the research study (Robson, and et.al., 2016). In the
present study thematic analysis technique has been used and themes have been prepared on the
basis of which analysis of data and information has been done. Further, all the themes have been
analysed and through this detailed analysis of all the data and information will be taken so that
proper outcomes could be gained from the study. Thematic analysis will support for properly
performing the data analysis and on the basis of that objectives of the study will be
accomplished. Data analysis will help for performing the study in better and effective way.
ETHICS, VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY
Ethics: Ethics are considered in the while making the research, where all the professional rights
are considered. Further, while evaluating, acceptable behaviour are taken care. Every constant
who have taken part in the research are informed about the cause, purpose and reason of the
research. A declaration was signed through them as well as their personal details are kept at
privacy. All their personal details are kept disclosed. However, they all are made clear about
purpose and other important details which needed to be conveyed to them. While doing the
research, details from the patients from NHS were taken (Morris, and et.al., 2014). Other than
this, for the collaborative work, values, mutual respect and trust are taken care. All the research
made are authentic and accountable to every person who have taken part in it. Along with this,
through this it aids to public support. At last, moral values and social responsibilities will be
implemented while performing the research. Ethics are also maintained in ensuring the quality
and integrity of it. While accomplishing the report confidentiality and anonymity has been taken
care. Further, there is no harm to participants who are involved in research.
Validity: While making the investigation, design and methods are effectively taken care. Various
valid sources such as journals, citation, referencing and other things are used to evaluate it. All
the possible factors which can create threats to the research are avoided. To accomplish the
internal validity subject, population size, time of data collection, maturation and sensitivity are
taken considered and applied wherever possible. For the external validity, subject selection,
interaction, research-environment, effects, methodologies of data collection and time effect are
considered so that they do not cause impact to the research.
Reliability: Reliability is another factor which is consider while interviewing the clients (Foster
and et.al., 2016). Accessibility factor is taken care for which the data is taken from the valid and
reliable resources. All the necessary details are clearly mentioned so that applicants do not feel
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insecure. The primary data are collected from the patients who are availing the service from
NHS. On the other hand the secondary data are collected through journals, newspaper articles
and online websites. All the primary and secondary data collection are used to maintain the
quality of the analysis. Other than Gantt chart is mentioned to show how activities are performed
and time period taken for completing the report.
While preparing for the research the intended outcomes for the research are made clear to
every member taking part in it. There is clear understanding about the values which will be
gained through the above proposal (Claxton and et.al., 2015). Other than this, data analysis will
provide the remaining information to achieve the objectives.
GANTT CHART
It provides a proper guidance by aid of plan which readily agrees with all the
specifications of research work.
Activity August, 2017 September, 2017 October, 2017 November,
2017
5 15 24 31 6 12 20 27 7 14 22 31 4 16 20 27
Choosing the
appropriate title for
current research
Formulation of the
proposal for research
work
Read the different
sources of literature
Developing the final
aim and objectives
Formulating of a draft
in context with
literature review
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Gathering of the
elements within
secondary research
Analysation of the
gathered secondary-
data
Formulation of the
approach for research
Questionnaire
development
Conducting an
interview for present
research
Accumulation of the
data
Collecting and
analysing the data
gathered
Completing the chapter
which is remaining
After submitting to
tutor waiting for
feedback
Implementing the
modifications
Printing and further
binding the draft
Accomplished
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CONCLUSION
The above research design proposal would act as effective contributor in guiding the
research further. The background of the research proposal led to the effective knowledge related
to rationale, literature review and other aspects which led to the choosing of topic that was
analysing factors responsible for public satisfaction with the NHS. So, the utilisation of primary
and secondary sources greatly assisted in collecting relevant and authentic information in context
to research. So, it is the responsibility of the NHS to maintain this level of their services to
ensure patient satisfaction.
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