An Analysis of Inpatient Satisfaction with Trust-related Factors of Public Secondary and Tertiary Hospitals in China.

Background and objectives: Patient satisfaction surveys are implemented as an essential quality improvement tool in healthcare markets. This study investigates patient satisfaction in public secondary and tertiary hospitals and identifies factors contributing to inpatient satisfaction, particularly trust-related factors, to eventually improve the quality of care in the healthcare system.

Methods: A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between February and April 2021 in 31 Chinese provinces. Telephone interviews with computer assistance were used to gather data. Spearman Rank Correlation was used to analyze satisfaction with hospitalization services between secondary and tertiary hospitals. Multiple Linear Regression was used to determine the influencing factors of overall patient satisfaction.

Results: Inpatients reported more satisfaction with inpatient care when doctors treated them respectfully (p < 0.01). Inpatients with higher self-identified social class reported higher satisfaction (p < 0.01). Inpatients who trust in most people in society (p < 0.01) and trust in the Chinese healthcare system (p < 0.01) reported higher satisfaction. Female inpatients reported higher overall satisfaction (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: The study of Chinese inpatients in secondary and tertiary hospitals highlighted the importance of respect from doctors, their self-identified social class, and their trust in influencing satisfaction during their hospital stay and called for additional research into policy measures.