J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Hackensack University Medical Center Recognized as First Hospital to Achieve Distinction for Providing an Outstanding Inpatient Experience in All Four Service Areas

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Hackensack University Medical Center, a 781-bed teaching and research hospital located in Hackensack, N.J., and affiliated with The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School, is the first hospital to achieve distinction for providing an outstanding patient experience in all four service areas: inpatient, outpatient, emergency and maternity under the J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished Hospital Program(SM). In addition this marks the fourth consecutive year in which Hackensack University Medical Center has been recognized for service excellence.

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"Because patients place a high value on the service aspects of their hospital stay, providing them with a consistent, positive experience year after year is as important for hospitals as it is in any other service industry," said David Stefan, executive director of the healthcare division at J.D. Power and Associates.

The service excellence distinction was determined by surveying a random sample of recently discharged patients of Hackensack University Medical Center on their perceptions of their hospital stay. Patient feedback was then compared with the national benchmark established in the J.D. Power and Associates National Hospital Service Performance Study(SM).

The telephone-based research conducted among patients focuses on the five key drivers of patient satisfaction with their overall hospital experience: dignity and respect; speed and efficiency; comfort; information and communication; and emotional support.

Hackensack University Medical Center exceeded the national benchmark study score for overall inpatient, outpatient, emergency and maternity service satisfaction. In comparison to the national study, the hospital performed particularly well for inpatient service in the areas of speed and efficiency, the nurses' execution of regular duties and in the overall comfort of its facilities. Additionally, Hackensack's emergency department and maternity services performed well in providing patients with a comfortable experience, while outpatients of the hospital gave high marks to the facility staff for their care and concern for the patient's well-being.

In all four areas, patients were asked to rate their level of trust and confidence in the hospital. More than 60 percent indicated that they had a higher level of trust and confidence in Hackensack after their recent visit.

Non-government, acute-care hospitals throughout the nation are eligible for the J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished Hospital recognition for excellence in inpatient, emergency department, outpatient, and maternity services. Distinction is valid for one year, after which the hospital may reapply for this recognition.

About J.D. Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The firm's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies. About The McGraw-Hill Companies Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, Business Week and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2006 were $6.3 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.

Media Relations Contacts: John Tews Anne Marie Campbell J.D. Power and Associates Hackensack University Medical Center 5435 Corporate Drive, Suite 300 30 Prospect Avenue Troy, Mich. 48098 Hackensack, NJ 07601 (248) 312-4112 (201) 996-3763 john.tews@jdpa.com acampbell@humed.com

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of J.D. Power and Associates. http://www.jdpower.com/corporate