For executive leaders and board members of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), patient satisfaction data is a strategic asset, and not just a strategic snapshot. Patient satisfaction data not only reflects the patient experience, but also informs decision-making, and serves as a vital indicator of operational effectiveness, compliance, and confidence in the community.

When presented well, patient satisfaction data empowers leadership to make informed, purpose-driven decisions that elevate quality of care and the sustainability of the health center. Below are a number of best practices to ensure that the presentation of patient satisfaction data speaks to leadership and supports a health center’s strategic goals.

1.     Align Data with Strategic Goals and Priorities

Regardless of whether it is improving access, enhancing care coordination, or advancing health equity, the health center should link patient satisfaction metrics directly to the health center’s strategic objectives. Data should tell a story that supports board-level discussions about performance, funding sources and growth. For example, “Patient satisfaction with access to care improved by 15% following the expansion of evening clinic hours, which aligned with the health center’s strategic initiative to reduce barriers to care.”

2.     Provide More than a Snapshot

Single scores do not tell the full story. Instead, focus on data that shows trends over time, whether it is improvement or setbacks. This helps leadership see how initiatives are working, decide the appropriate placement of resources and spot ongoing challenges. For example, use visuals such as line graphs or bar charts to track trends by site, service line and provider.

3.     Utilize Benchmarks

Use national, regional, or peer benchmarks to compare performance. This strengthens accountability and allows executive leadership to assess whether the health center is meeting, exceeding, or falling behind industry standards.

4.     High-Impact Metrics

Although detailed reports are valuable at the operational level, board and leadership level presentations should focus on the most influential indicators, including:

• Overall patient satisfaction
• Likelihood to recommend to family and friends
• Communication with providers
• Treatment with respect and dignity
• Barriers to access such as hours of operation and financial challenges

These metrics align closely with the mission and vision of the health center, as well as compliance, and can inform high-level strategy.

5.     Turn Feedback into Action

Board members and leadership want to see how feedback drives improvement. Present patient satisfaction data along with the actions planned or taken in response. This demonstrates responsiveness and positions patient satisfaction as a tool being utilized for change and not just reporting.

6.     Report on a Regular Basis

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) considers the measurement of patient satisfaction to be a Quality Improvement/Assurance Assessment. As outlined in “Chapter 10 – Quality Improvement/Assurance” of the HRSA Health Center Program Compliance Manual, Quality Improvement/Assurance Assessments must be completed on a quarterly basis (HRSA Compliance Manual – Chapter 10).  Consistent reporting creates transparency and positions patient satisfaction data as a routine part of how the health center measures success.

When shared effectively, patient satisfaction data becomes a valuable tool for leadership, not only to reflect the patient’s voice, but to also help guide the health center’s direction. For executive teams and board members, this data provides both clarity and accountability in supporting the health center’s mission of delivering high-quality care that is focused on the needs of the target population.