Empathy and Trust as Key Drivers of Patient Satisfaction in Healthcare

Overview

This study examines the effects of trust in the patient -doctor relationship and the physician's empathetic approach on patient satisfaction. It proposes two hypotheses: first, there is a direct positive relationship between patients' trust in their doctors and their satisfaction levels; second, a doctor's empathetic behavior is crucial in mediating the relationship between trust and satisfaction. A survey of two hundred fifty U.S. patients, utilizing established measurement scales, revealed a significant positive correlation between patient-doctor trust and patient sat isfaction. Interestingly, empathy was identified as a key factor that reinforces the positive impact of trust on satisfaction, serving as a mediating variable. These findings indicate that patient satisfaction extends beyond clinical outcomes, highlighting the significance of empathetic practices in healthcare to enhance pat ient-doctor interactions. Consequently, healthcare practitioners are encouraged to focus on building trust and integrating empathy into their care practices to enhance the quality of service. This study advocates for an innovative healthcare approach that combines empathetic care with clinical expertise, catering to the changing expectations of patients in the healthcare sector.

Competition history

• JSHS 2024 Category not listed

Resources

• National JSHS abstract book ↗

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