Patient Experience and the Quality of Health Care

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 2869

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. School of Public Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education of Warsaw, 01-813 Warszawa, Poland
2. Collegium of Business Administration, Warsaw School of Economics, 02-554 Warszawa, Poland
Interests: health-related quality of life; health economics; pharmaceutical public health; technologies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Primary Prevention, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: patient experience; healthcare quality; patient satisfaction; quality of life; patient-centered care

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to prepare a manuscript on the topic of patient experiences, the quality of healthcare, and quality of life.

The study of patient experiences, the quality of healthcare, and quality of life has become increasingly important in the field of medical research and practice. As healthcare systems worldwide strive to improve their outcomes and efficiency, understanding and enhancing these interconnected areas is essential for delivering patient-centered care. Patient experience encompasses a wide range of interactions that patients have with the healthcare system, including communication with healthcare providers, access to care, and the overall environment of care facilities. Positive patient experiences are linked to better health outcomes, improved patient adherence to treatment plans, and higher levels of patient satisfaction. These factors contribute significantly to the perceived and actual quality of healthcare services.

The quality of healthcare, on the other hand, is a multifaceted concept that includes the effectiveness, safety, and timeliness of the care provided. High-quality healthcare ensures that patients receive evidence-based treatments that are effective and safe, delivered in a timely manner to minimize adverse outcomes and enhance recovery. Continuous monitoring and improvement of healthcare quality are vital for patient safety and for achieving optimal health outcomes.

We are pleased to invite you to participate.

This Special Issue aims to develop this research area and advance research in patient experience, the quality of healthcare, and quality of life, which is fundamental to improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  1. Original Research Articles: Empirical studies that provide new insights into patient experiences, healthcare quality, or quality of life.
  2. Review Articles: Comprehensive reviews that summarize the current state of research on these topics.
  3. Case Studies: Detailed examinations of specific instances of patient care that highlight important lessons or innovations.
  4. Opinion Pieces: Thoughtful discussions and perspectives on current issues or future directions in the field.
  5. Methodological Papers: Articles that describe new methods or approaches for studying patient experiences, healthcare quality, or quality of life.
  6. Short Reports: Brief communications on preliminary findings or novel observations that may lead to further research.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Yours faithfully,

Prof. Dr. Urszula Religioni
Guest Editor

Dr. Mariola Borowska
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • patient experience
  • healthcare quality
  • patient satisfaction
  • quality of life
  • patient-centered care
  • health outcomes
  • care coordination
  • patient safety
  • chronic disease management
  • health services research

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 256 KiB  
Article
Key Predictors of Patient Satisfaction and Loyalty in Saudi Healthcare Facilities: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
by Abdulaziz M. Alodhialah, Ashwaq A. Almutairi and Mohammed Almutairi
Healthcare 2024, 12(20), 2050; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12202050 - 16 Oct 2024
Viewed by 820
Abstract
Background: Patient satisfaction and loyalty are essential indicators of healthcare quality, directly impacting patient outcomes and the long-term success of healthcare facilities. Despite the growing importance of patient-centered care in Saudi Arabia, there is limited research exploring the factors that influence patient satisfaction [...] Read more.
Background: Patient satisfaction and loyalty are essential indicators of healthcare quality, directly impacting patient outcomes and the long-term success of healthcare facilities. Despite the growing importance of patient-centered care in Saudi Arabia, there is limited research exploring the factors that influence patient satisfaction and loyalty, particularly in the Riyadh region. Aim: This study aims to identify the key factors influencing patient satisfaction and loyalty among Saudi patients attending public and private healthcare facilities in the Riyadh region. The study focuses on how healthcare service quality, communication, and demographic factors contribute to patient satisfaction and loyalty. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 350 Saudi patients from 10 healthcare facilities in Riyadh. Data were collected using the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ-18) and the Patient Loyalty Questionnaire (PLQ). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression were employed to identify predictors of patient satisfaction and loyalty. Results: Significant predictors of patient satisfaction included general satisfaction (β = 0.48, p < 0.001), communication (β = 0.35, p < 0.001), and the frequency of healthcare visits (β = 0.13, p = 0.011). Private healthcare facilities had higher satisfaction (p < 0.001) and loyalty scores (p < 0.001) compared to public facilities. Patient loyalty was strongly predicted by general satisfaction (β = 0.55, p < 0.001) and communication (β = 0.42, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Communication quality and patient satisfaction are key drivers of patient loyalty in Saudi healthcare facilities. Private facilities outperform public ones in patient satisfaction and loyalty. These findings emphasize the need for healthcare providers to enhance communication and service quality to foster patient loyalty. Tailored approaches to meet the diverse needs of patients, particularly in terms of education and visit frequency, are crucial for improving healthcare outcomes in Saudi Arabia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Patient Experience and the Quality of Health Care)
10 pages, 254 KiB  
Article
Assessing Patient Satisfaction and the Need for Collaborative Treatment with Korean and Western Medicine
by Soyong Park, Yoonju Lee, Linae Kim, Shiva Raj Acharya and NamKwen Kim
Healthcare 2024, 12(18), 1901; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12181901 - 23 Sep 2024
Viewed by 777
Abstract
Background: The collaborative treatment of Korean medicine (KM) and Western medicine (WM) in Korea has gained prominence since its initiation. However, comprehensive evaluations of patient satisfaction and care effectiveness remain limited. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction and the need for [...] Read more.
Background: The collaborative treatment of Korean medicine (KM) and Western medicine (WM) in Korea has gained prominence since its initiation. However, comprehensive evaluations of patient satisfaction and care effectiveness remain limited. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction and the need for collaborative KM-WM treatment in the fourth phase of the national pilot project. Methods: A multicenter survey was conducted among 321 patients from 15 institutions participating in the fourth phase of the collaborative KM-WM pilot project, spanning from 1 August 2023 to 31 October 2023. Patient satisfaction and needs were assessed using a validated, semi-structured questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical multiple regression were used in the analysis. Results: The overall satisfaction with collaborative KM-WM treatment was notably high (91.25%). Among the participants, 91.58% indicated the necessity of the collaborative KM-WM pilot project, whereas 90.66% pointed out the need to incorporate inpatient services into collaborative care. Expansion of the pilot project to additional institutions and primary healthcare settings was substantially demanded (85.36% and 80.06%, respectively). Treatment effects (β, 0.344; 95% CI: 0.237–0.451), appropriate treatment time (β, 0.140; 95% CI: 0.051–0.229), medical procedural efficiency (β, 0.227; 95% CI: 0.126–0.328), and promotional activities (β, 0.175; 95% CI: 0.101–0.250) significantly contributed to overall patient satisfaction (each, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The fourth phase of the KM-WM project reflects high patient satisfaction and a substantial need for collaborative treatment. Further research should include longitudinal studies and employ mixed-methods approaches to better understand, evaluate, and improve collaborative KM-WM treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Patient Experience and the Quality of Health Care)
10 pages, 2142 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Thoughts, Needs and Fears of Chemotherapy Patients—An Analysis Based on Google Search Behavior
by Deniz Özistanbullu, Ronja Weber, Maria Schröder, Stefan Kippenberger, Johannes Kleemann, Henner Stege, Roland Kaufmann, Bastian Schilling, Stephan Grabbe and Raphael Wilhelm
Healthcare 2024, 12(17), 1689; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12171689 - 24 Aug 2024
Viewed by 833
Abstract
Chemotherapy poses both physical and psychological challenges for patients, prompting many to seek answers independently through online resources. This study investigates German Google search behavior regarding chemotherapy-related terms using Google AdWords data from September 2018 to September 2022 to gain insights into patient [...] Read more.
Chemotherapy poses both physical and psychological challenges for patients, prompting many to seek answers independently through online resources. This study investigates German Google search behavior regarding chemotherapy-related terms using Google AdWords data from September 2018 to September 2022 to gain insights into patient concerns and needs. A total of 1461 search terms associated with “chemotherapy” were identified, representing 1,749,312 to 28,958,400 search queries. These terms were categorized into four groups based on frequency and analyzed. Queries related to “adjuvant” and “neoadjuvant” chemotherapy, as well as “immunotherapy”, suggest potential confusion among patients. Breast cancer emerged as the most searched tumor type, with hair loss, its management, and dermatological issues being the most searched side effects. These findings underscore the role of search engines such as Google in facilitating access to healthcare information and provide valuable insights into patient thoughts and needs. Healthcare providers can leverage this information to deliver patient-centric care and optimize treatment outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Patient Experience and the Quality of Health Care)
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