A qualitative study was undertaken to explore descriptions of satisfaction with health care, with 30 dermatology patients. The relevance and usefulness of the approach chosen to analyse the data-interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was also retrospectively evaluated. The findings suggest that 'satisfaction' is a complex and fluid construct, which is defined, redefined and re-evaluated by participants throughout the interview process. IPA was useful in guiding the analysis. However, in order to build upon this approach, it is suggested that more attention be paid to the sequential nature of an individual account/interview, which might lead to a more informed understanding of the meaning of patient satisfaction.