What the study found
The study found that overall inpatient satisfaction was mainly linked to how patients rated five core service dimensions: medical technology, doctor-patient communication, environmental factors, medical processes, and medical costs. Among these, satisfaction was highest for medical processes and technology and lowest for costs.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that inpatient satisfaction is affected by multiple factors. They suggest that improving doctor-patient communication, the hospital environment and facilities, and the medical service process may help improve inpatient services.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey of 433 inpatients at the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University in China. They used stratified random sampling and analyzed satisfaction with a Kruskal-Wallis test and ordered logistic regression, adjusting for sociodemographic variables.
What worked and what didn't
The mean overall satisfaction score was 4.49. Univariate analysis found payment method to be a significant correlate, but exploratory univariate analysis of sociodemographic factors showed few significant associations overall. Ordered logistic regression found perceived quality across the five core service dimensions to be the primary significant predictors of overall inpatient satisfaction.
What to keep in mind
This was a cross-sectional study from one tertiary hospital, so the summary reflects that specific setting. The abstract does not describe follow-up over time or provide additional limitations beyond the study design and location.
Key points
- The mean overall inpatient satisfaction score was 4.49.
- Satisfaction was highest for medical processes and technology and lowest for costs.
- Payment method was a significant correlate in univariate analysis.
- Perceived quality across five core service dimensions was the main predictor in ordered logistic regression.
- The study was based on 433 inpatients at one tertiary hospital in China.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Inpatient satisfaction was shaped mainly by service quality
- Authors:
- Cairu Xu, Xinpeng Xu, Haibo He, Yanfang Su, Jiansong Ji
- Institutions:
- Lishui Central Hospital, Lishui Central Hospital, Lishui Central Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, University of Washington, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-25
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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