About the survey - National Inpatient Experience Survey

The National Inpatient Experience Survey

The National Inpatient Experience Survey is a nationwide survey asking patients about their recent experiences in hospital. The survey aims to learn from patients’ feedback in order to improve hospital care.

The results of the 2022 survey are now available to view here.

What hospitals take part?

40 public hospitals from six hospital groups participate in the National Inpatient Experience Survey. Click below to find out more.

View participating hospitals

What questions are asked?

The National Inpatient Experience Survey contains 67 questions, which have been determined following a rigorous selection process. Click below to learn more about what is involved in conducting the survey and to view the questionnaire.

View survey model

Any questions about the inpatient survey?

Read our frequently asked questions or contact the survey team.

Timeline

The timeline below describes the four most important phases in the National Inpatient Experience Survey cycle.

Survey goes live

All patients aged 16 years or older, who spend 24 hours or more in a public hospital and are discharged during the survey period are invited to participate. Eligible patients will receive the survey by post within two months of their discharge from hospital.

Survey closes

The results are then analysed and the reports are prepared for publication.

Results published

Survey findings are published on yourexperience.ie

Quality Improvements

The HSE and individual hospitals respond to the survey results by developing hospital initiatives.

Survey goes live

Survey closes

Results published

Quality Improvements

Secondary analysis of 2017 and 2018 comments

A research team based in NUIG conducted further research on the qualitative responses to the 2017 and 2018 surveys. A full report and a short summary document, describing the findings, are available below.

Report on Secondary Analysis of 2017 and 2018 Qualitative Survey Responses

Secondary analysis of qualitative responses: Brief summary of findings