Patient preferences and choices as a reflection of trust—A cluster analysis comparing postsurgical perceptions in a private and a public hospital

Bibliographic Data

ID19507054
AuthorsRoyi Barnea (0000-0002-6119-9725, Assuta Health Services Research Institute Assuta Medical Centers Tel‐Aviv Israel, corresponding author), Aviad Tur-Sinai (0000-0002-4802-455X, Department of Health Systems Management The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College Yezreel Valley Israel), Osnat Levtzion‐Korach (Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh) Zerifin Israel), Yossi Weiss (Assuta Health Services Research Institute Assuta Medical Centers Tel‐Aviv Israel), Orna Tal (0000-0003-2379-9102, Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh) Zerifin Israel)
Year2022
Volume25
Issue5
Pages2340-2354
Publication date2022-10-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Expectations (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1369-6513 • E-ISSN: 1369-7625
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/hex.13487
PMID35833265
OpenAlexW4285387483
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited40

BACKGROUND: Active participation of patients in managing their medical treatment is a major component of the patient empowerment process and may contribute to better clinical outcomes. Patient perceptions and preferences affect the patient-physician encounter in a variety of dimensions, such as patient autonomy, freedom of choice and trust in the healthcare system. The Israeli healthcare system is mostly publicly funded, with additional private healthcare services for surgery and other medical treatments. The aim of this study was to compare the perceptions and preferences of patients in the public and private hospitals in Israel. METHODS: A cross-sectional study among 545 individuals who had surgical procedures at two hospitals in Israel (one public and one private). A structured questionnaire comprising 23 items was used to collect perceptions via personal telephone interviews. The responses were categorized into five clusters and compared by type of health services provider (public vs. private) and sociodemographic characteristics (gender, age and education level). RESULTS: A hierarchical cluster analysis methodology identified five conceptual groups: trust, concern towards medical errors, dialogue between medical staff and the patient/patient's family, confidentiality and staff bias towards more informed patients, or those with supportive families. Four main themes that highlight patients' preferences were found: physical conditions, personal empowerment and perceived autonomy, patient experience and patient-provider encounter communication. Significant differences between the private and the public healthcare systems were found in four clusters: trust and patient care, patient's concerns, the extent of explanation and medical staff's commitment. Differences secondary to sociodemographic parameters were noticed: patients treated at the private hospital scored significantly higher items of trust, medical staff caring and the importance of choosing their treating surgeon, while patients treated at the public hospital scored higher staff commitment to the patient than those treated at the private hospital. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed the perceptions underlying the decisions of patients to undergo surgical procedures in public or private hospitals. Mutual learning could pave the way to better patient-physician encounters. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Patients from the two hospitals were involved in this study by responding to the questionnaire. The data presented is based on the patient's responses

Autonomy · Confidentiality · Empowerment · Family medicine · Health care · Patient satisfaction · Perception · Healthcare Decision-Making and Restraints · Medicine · Nursing · Patient Satisfaction in Healthcare · Patient-Provider Communication in Healthcare · Psychology

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access