The stranger in my room: The fellow patient as the fourth dimension of patient satisfaction

Abstract

Objective To test the hypothesis that the fellow patient is a relevant dimension of patient satisfaction and has a notable influence on patient evaluations of hospitals. Data sources/study setting An empirical survey was conducted to collect primary data. In the study, patients in German hospitals were asked about their perceived satisfaction with fellow patients, physicians, nursing staff, and facilities. Study design Linear regression models were used to estimate the influence of each dimension on patient satisfaction. Various quality criteria further confirmed the quality of the extended patient satisfaction model. Principal findings The study confirmed fellow patient influence as a fourth dimension of patient satisfaction. The fellow patient had the highest impact on patient satisfaction and increases the variance of the patient satisfaction model significantly. Conclusion The findings suggest that patient satisfaction models should include the fourth dimension, “fellow patient.” In addition to the impact of the other satisfaction dimensions, both studies highlighted the significant influence of the fellow patient on patient satisfaction. Moreover, hospital managers should try to use the impact of the fellow patient to create satisfaction, which would benefit both hospitals and patients.