OBJECTIVES: To know the degree of satisfaction of users of a private hospital and the factors involved in this satisfaction, based on the model of Parasuraman, Zeithaml and Berry. METHODS: A descriptive, exploratory, quantitative study conducted in a private hospital with a sample consisting of 288 users. Data collection occurred between April to July 2009, by means of a questionnaire and analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: We identified levels of user satisfaction, and the dimensions with the highest scores: security and reliability, and with lower scores, responsiveness and empathy. The nursing and medical teams had the highest scores. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for intervention in the areas of nutrition and initial care. Thus, this study provided a multisectoral diagnosis, assisting managers in reviewing the institution's clinical and managerial processes.
Quality of health care; Health services evaluation; Patient satisfaction; Nursing; Hospitals, private
