Patient Satisfaction

Control, decision-making, time, technical skills and appearance are five areas in which physicians can positively influence patient satisfaction. Learn the significance of each area by clicking "Read more>>."

Control: Physicians can improve patient satisfaction by relinquishing some control over an encounter. Studies have found that when physicians exhibited less dominance by encouraging patients to express their ideas, concerns and expectations, patients were more satisfied with their visits and more likely to adhere to physicians' advice. 

Decision-making: Patient satisfaction can also be influenced by physicians' medical decision making. Patients expressed a preference for physicians who recognized the importance of their social and mental functioning as much as their physical functioning.

Time: Time spent during a visit plays a role in patient satisfaction, with satisfaction rates improving as visit length increases. Physicians with high-volume practices were more efficient with their time but had lower rates of patient satisfaction, offered fewer preventive services and were viewed as less sensitive in the doctor-patient relationship.

Technical skills: Several studies have looked at patients' assessment of their physicians' technical skills and the effect on satisfaction, but the findings are contradictory. In a survey of 236 “vulnerable” older patients, better communication skills were linked to higher patient satisfaction but technical expertise was not. However, another study found that when forced to make a trade-off, participants expressed a strong preference for physicians who have high technical skills. Patients also indicated that a physician's ability to make the correct diagnosis and craft an effective treatment plan were more important than his or her “bedside manner.”

Appearance: Patients also appear to respond to a physician's appearance. In one study from New Zealand, patients indicated that they preferred “semiformal” attire and a smile. Next, in order of preference, were “semi-formal” dress without a smile, a white coat, a formal suit, jeans and casual dress. They were less comfortable with facial piercings, short tops or earrings on men. In addition, most patients wanted to be called by their first name, be introduced to the doctor by his full name and title, and see a name badge.

Be sure to click on the links below to view WellStar's latest patient satisfaction scores.