An Analysis of the Doctor-Patient Relationships and Patient Satisfaction:
A Quantitative Study of DHQ Hospital in District Bhakkar, Pakistan
Keywords:
Doctor-Patient relationship, Patient Satisfaction, DHQ Hospital, District BhakkarAbstract
Purpose
This study analyzes the doctor-patient relationship and its impact on patient satisfaction at DHQ Hospital in District Bhakkar, Pakistan.
Methods
This quantitative research study explores and analyzes potential antecedents to communication, trust, and perceived understanding between doctors and their patients and their overall impact on patients’ satisfaction. A qualitative study including structured questions was used to collect data from respondents, a sample of 150 patients to assess their experiences, perceptions, and overall satisfaction with Health care received. This research has given insight and evidence into the current position of patient satisfaction in public hospitals in Pakistan. It can help practitioners and policymakers to set up better modules for improving the whole picture of patient care services.
Findings
The p-values for the responses of male and female patients about “Technical Expertise”, “Interpersonal Aspects”, “Time Spent with the Doctor”, “Doctor-Patient Communication”, “General Satisfaction” and “Access/Convenience and Availability” are hence concluded to be insignificant, with values ranging from 0. 035 to 0. 957. Comparing with the test results, one-sample tests showed that the patient satisfaction scores concerning the “Time Spent with the Doctor”, “Doctor-Patient Communication”, “General Satisfaction”, and “Access and Convenience/Availability” were decreased and significantly different, p < 0. 001. On the other hand, satisfaction with “Technical Expertise” and “Interpersonal aspects” was much higher than the test values (p < 0. 001). In addition, Pearson correlation analysis revealed that there is a negative but very weak correlation between “Interpersonal Aspects” and overall patient satisfaction scores (n = -0. 089 p = 0. 281), and thus the null hypothesis (Ho) that stated that there is no correlation between the variables will be accepted. The findings of this study can help DHQ Hospital Bhakkar to identify factors that affect patient satisfaction and suggest ways to cope with the existing problem in doctor-patient rapport satisfactorily.
