Key Traits for Patient Satisfaction among Black New Jersey Residents

Introduction

The patient-physician relationship is key to adequate healthcare, influencing health outcomes and patient trust. Communication, empathy, and cultural competency are crucial in shaping these experiences (Wu et al., 2021). Understanding patient preferences is vital to reducing disparities in New Jersey, where Black residents comprise 13.1% of the population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021). Many Black residents prefer Black physicians due to perceived cultural competency and trust (Hopkins, 2002). This study seeks to identify physician characteristics that contribute to satisfaction among Black New Jersey residents, aiming to enhance patient-centered care and reduce healthcare inequities.

Method

A quantitative online survey analyzed Black residents’ perceptions of physician traits in New Jersey. The sample size was determined using a 90% confidence interval and a 10% margin of error for statistical reliability. Participants were recruited through community events, organizations, social media, and flyers. The survey, adapted from prior research (Grogan, 2000), measured patient satisfaction across ten physician traits: Trust, Respect, Individualized Care, Honesty, Empathy, Understandable Communication, listening, Relatability, Diversity, and Communication. Responses were rated on a 5-point Likert scale from 1 ("strongly disagree") to 5 ("strongly agree")

Results

The sample size consisted of n = 65 participants, all identified as Black residents of New Jersey. Among the ten physician trait categories measured, the highest-rated were Understandable (x̄ = 4.41), Individualized Care (x̄ = 4.32), and Honesty (x̄ = 4.28). In contrast, the lowest-rated categories were Respect (x̄ = 3.48) and Communication (x̄ = 3.43). The highest-rated individual statement was “I appreciate my doctor most when they take the time to address all of my questions and concerns thoroughly” (x̄ = 4.69). The lowest-rated individual statement was “I think there have been times when I would have gotten better medical care if I belonged to a different race or ethnic group” (x̄ = 3.28). The remaining traits were rated as follows: Empathy (x̄ = 4.19), Listening (x̄ = 4.23), Trust (x̄ = 3.92), Relatability (x̄ = 3.80), and Diversity (x̄ = 3.98).

Conclusion

The results of this study provide valuable insights into Black residents' preferences regarding physician characteristics in New Jersey. High ratings for Understandable, Individualized Care, and Honesty indicate that these traits are crucial to patient satisfaction. The emphasis on individualized care is especially evident in the highest-rated individual statement, “I appreciate my doctor most when they take the time to thoroughly address all of my questions and concerns” (x̄ = 4.69), highlighting the importance of patient-centered care. The lowest-rated statement (x̄ = 3.28) reflects the perception of potentially receiving better care if belonging to a different racial or ethnic group. This highlights ongoing concerns of bias and racism within the healthcare system. Due to the high prevalence of chronic diseases in Black communities, future efforts should focus on the need for patient-centered care and tailored interventions. These approaches can prevent delayed diagnoses and increase the lifespan of Black populations.