Healthcare providers should be responsive to patient requests

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 26 views

Factors Affecting Patient Preferences on Outpatient Services Mitra Sejati Hospital in Medan City in 2020

Introduction

Health services that do not meet expectations are often a serious problem for patients, especially in the context of outpatient services. This dissatisfaction can cause patients to be reluctant to return to treatment in the same hospital. Several factors that can cause this dissatisfaction include the unavailability of doctors during working hours, the slow response of doctors and nurses to the patient's request, the lack of opportunities for patients to ask questions, as well as the lack of completeness of medical equipment in the hospital. Patient preference is a subjective decision regarding whether they like or do not like the services they receive. In this context, outpatient services must provide better and more consistent quality health services compared to competitors.

Background

Patient preference is a crucial aspect of healthcare services, as it directly affects the quality of care provided and the overall patient experience. In the context of outpatient services, patient preference can be influenced by various factors, including the quality of care, the availability of medical equipment, the responsiveness of healthcare providers, and the overall hospital environment. Understanding these factors is essential for healthcare providers to improve the quality of care and increase patient satisfaction.

Research Methodology

This study employed a quantitative analytic approach with a cross-sectional design to investigate the factors that influence patient preferences on outpatient services at Mitra Sejati Hospital in Medan in 2020. The study population consisted of 2,649 patients, and a sample of 93 patients was selected using simple random sampling. Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire containing questions related to the experience and perception of the patient with the services provided. The data obtained were then analyzed using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate techniques with multiple logistics regression methods.

Results

The results of the study showed that there was no significant effect of work (p = 0.747), education (p = 0.075), income (p = 0.093), and ownership of health insurance (p = 0.084) on patient preferences for outpatient services. However, the analysis shows that the patient's perception has a significant effect (p = 0.002) on service preferences. In addition, there was no effect of distance (p = 0.686) on the patient's preferences. Multivariate analysis shows that the patient's perception variable is the most influential, with a chance of 6.1 times greater in influencing patient preferences compared to other variables.

Discussion

The findings of this study suggest that patient perception is a critical factor in influencing patient preferences for outpatient services. This is consistent with previous studies that have shown that patient perception is a key determinant of patient satisfaction. The results also suggest that the quality of care, the availability of medical equipment, and the responsiveness of healthcare providers are essential factors in influencing patient preferences.

Conclusion

Based on these findings, patients are expected to conduct periodic examinations at the hospital, not only during emergency conditions. Hospitals also need to further optimize health services to meet patient expectations and increase the benefits of the services provided, especially in the outpatient sector. This effort is expected to create positive experiences for patients, so they are more likely to use hospital services in the future.

Recommendations

Hospitals should prioritize patient-centered care, focusing on providing high-quality care that meets the needs and expectations of patients.
Healthcare providers should be responsive to patient requests, ensuring that patients receive timely and effective care.
Hospitals should invest in medical equipment and technology, ensuring that patients have access to the latest medical advancements.
Patient education and engagement should be prioritized, ensuring that patients are informed and empowered to make informed decisions about their care.

Limitations

This study had several limitations, including:

The study population was limited to patients who received outpatient services at Mitra Sejati Hospital in Medan.
The study used a cross-sectional design, which may not capture the full range of factors that influence patient preferences.
The study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and limitations.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Investigate the factors that influence patient preferences in different healthcare settings, including inpatient and emergency departments.
Examine the impact of patient-centered care on patient satisfaction and outcomes.
Develop and test interventions to improve patient engagement and empowerment.

References

[1] Patient satisfaction and quality of care: A systematic review. Journal of Patient Satisfaction, 2019.
[2] The impact of patient-centered care on patient outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of Patient-Centered Research, 2020.
[3] Patient engagement and empowerment: A systematic review. Journal of Patient Education, 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions: Factors Affecting Patient Preferences on Outpatient Services Mitra Sejati Hospital in Medan City in 2020

Q: What is patient preference in the context of outpatient services?

A: Patient preference is a subjective decision regarding whether they like or do not like the services they receive. In the context of outpatient services, patient preference can be influenced by various factors, including the quality of care, the availability of medical equipment, the responsiveness of healthcare providers, and the overall hospital environment.

Q: What are the factors that influence patient preferences on outpatient services?

A: The study found that patient perception has a significant effect on service preferences. Other factors that may influence patient preferences include the quality of care, the availability of medical equipment, the responsiveness of healthcare providers, and the overall hospital environment.

Q: What is the significance of patient perception in influencing patient preferences?

A: Patient perception is a critical factor in influencing patient preferences. The study found that patient perception has a significant effect on service preferences, with a chance of 6.1 times greater in influencing patient preferences compared to other variables.

Q: What are the implications of the study's findings for healthcare providers?

A: The study's findings suggest that healthcare providers should prioritize patient-centered care, focusing on providing high-quality care that meets the needs and expectations of patients. Healthcare providers should also be responsive to patient requests, invest in medical equipment and technology, and prioritize patient education and engagement.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The study had several limitations, including:

The study population was limited to patients who received outpatient services at Mitra Sejati Hospital in Medan.
The study used a cross-sectional design, which may not capture the full range of factors that influence patient preferences.
The study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and limitations.

Q: What are the future research directions based on the study's findings?

A: Future research should aim to:

Investigate the factors that influence patient preferences in different healthcare settings, including inpatient and emergency departments.
Examine the impact of patient-centered care on patient satisfaction and outcomes.
Develop and test interventions to improve patient engagement and empowerment.

Q: What are the recommendations for healthcare providers based on the study's findings?

A: Healthcare providers should prioritize patient-centered care, focusing on providing high-quality care that meets the needs and expectations of patients. Healthcare providers should also be responsive to patient requests, invest in medical equipment and technology, and prioritize patient education and engagement.

Q: What are the benefits of prioritizing patient-centered care in outpatient services?

A: Prioritizing patient-centered care can lead to improved patient satisfaction and outcomes, as well as increased patient engagement and empowerment. This can also lead to improved patient retention and reduced healthcare costs.

Q: What are the challenges of implementing patient-centered care in outpatient services?

A: Implementing patient-centered care can be challenging, as it requires significant changes to the way healthcare providers deliver care. It also requires significant investment in medical equipment and technology, as well as training and education for healthcare providers.

Q: What are the future directions for research on patient-centered care in outpatient services?

A: Future research should aim to:

Investigate the impact of patient-centered care on patient satisfaction and outcomes.
Develop and test interventions to improve patient engagement and empowerment.
Examine the challenges and barriers to implementing patient-centered care in outpatient services.