Measuring the impact of perceived service quality on insured and uninsured patients’ satisfaction

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to investigate the difference in the pattern of influence of perceived service quality on insured and uninsured patients’ satisfaction levels. Design/methodology/approach This study follows a cross-sectional primary research design. A questionnaire survey method is implemented to collect primary data from 322 respondents who have received medical care during the past 1 year. A total of 168 respondents had a subscription to health insurance and 154 of them were without health insurance coverage. Data is analysed through factor analysis and multiple regression with SPSS-26. Findings This study identifies a critical difference in the pattern of influence of perceived service quality on patient satisfaction in the case of insured and uninsured patients. This difference is mainly related to the number of technical and functional service quality dimensions as significant predictors of insured and uninsured patients’ satisfaction. Originality/value The present study extends the existing body of knowledge related to perceived service quality and patient satisfaction with an interesting observation. Technical dimensions of perceived service quality act as equally important drivers of patient satisfaction in the case of both uninsured and insured patients. However, more number of functional service quality dimensions act as important drivers of patient satisfaction in the case of insured patients compared to uninsured patients. This serves as an important takeaway for health-care managers/administrators to identify areas of service quality need to be strengthened.