The aim of this study are: a) to assist the hospital to gain information on the views of its patients, whether showing satisfaction or making a suggestion for improvements, so that it can take action when desirable and practicable; b) to enable each hospital to compare its results with those of a large number of other general hospitals. Guidelines are given so that a hospital is aware who should give support for such a survey; how many wards should be chosen for the survey; when and to whom a patient questionnaire should be administered.