Factors that Influence Patients in Choosing Their Treating Physicians in the Private Sector in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Choice of the treating physician by the patient is expected to increase the level of satisfaction and improve health care outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the factors that may influence patients in choosing their treating physicians in the private health sector in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. An online questionnaire was distributed targeting Arabic-speaking adults, Saudis and non-Saudis, aged 18 years and above of both genders. The questionnaire included questions related to demographic data, personal factors of the physician, professional factors of the physician, health center/hospital factors, and methods patients use to access a preferred physician. Results: A total of 1582 participants completed the questionnaire. The most influential factor related to physician personal features was renown, reported by participants as either "very important" (31.7%) or "somewhat important" (23.8%), followed by physician appearance, considered to be "very important" and "somewhat important" by 28.6% and 21.1% of participants respectively. Regarding physician professional features, the most influential factor reported was previous experience of the physician for the patient or relative, considered "very important" by 66.5% of participants, followed by physician title (63.1%) and sub-specialization (57.71%). Regarding hospital factors, the availability of an appointment with a short waiting time was reported as "very important" by 59.2% of participants, followed by affordability of fees (50.0%) and hospital access (46.84). Conclusion: Experience of the patient with the physician as well as physician title and sub-specialization significantly influence the choice of physician in the private sector in Saudi Arabia.

Public's perception and satisfaction on the role and services provided by family physicians in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

“…Therefore, there is a need to bridge the communication gaps in the physician–patient relationship as a trusting relationship plays a vital role in determining patients’ satisfaction with the healthcare system. [20212223242531]…”

“…Acceptance and satisfaction with FPs have also been found to be associated with patients’ trust and desire for meaningful communication. [202122232425] Several studies have found some gaps in the perception of FPs’ roles and responsibilities among patients and their families. [2627] This lack of knowledge may be explained, in part, by patients’ level of awareness of their physicians’ role and poor communication skills from the treating doctor side.…”

Impact of high-performance work practices in human resource management of health dispensaries in Qassim Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, towards organizational resilience and productivity

“…Hence, the authors say, that there is an urgent need to understand and develop HPHWs in HRM in such unresponsive institutions so as to achieve benchmarks of service quality in both public and private health/ medical institutions. The healthcare programme in Saudi Arabia is a comprehensive healthcare network through which the country offers quality health coverage involving various government departments for administrative supervision and direction (Al-Jdani et al, BPMJ 27,7 2018;Al-Briek et al, 2018;Abedi et al, 2017;Queiroz et al, 2020). The authors added that the extent of private sector's involvement in providing healthcare services is also growing but many HR-related concerns hamper it.…”