A study on women’s perceptions regarding the requirements and satisfaction of a hospital environment

Abstract

Practicing gender-based equal rights is an international trend today. An empirical study was conducted to analyze the individual traits of women and their needs in order to determine how female-friendly hospital environments were by focusing on environments fitted for individuals. A structured questionnaire was distributed to the female users of a model female-friendly hospital recognized by the Health Bureau; 200 questionnaires were issued and 154 replies were valid. Variance and multiple regression analyses were conducted on the valid questionnaires. The results of the study indicate that: (1) the hospital’s efforts to promote a female-friendly hospital environment fell below women’s expectations; (2) when the hospital offered a less female-friendly hospital environment, female patients were less satisfied; and (3) “educational attainment” and “experience of a female-friendly hospital environment” most significantly influence the degree to which female patients would be satisfied with services provided by hospitals. We recommend hospitals educate medical staff and administrators regarding the concept of gender-based equal rights through relevant training in order to cultivate a high level of awareness and enthusiasm for offering female patients more comprehensive services so that they feel respected when receiving medical treatment.