Patient Satisfaction and Perceived Quality of Care: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study of United States Adults

Samuel Ofei-Dodoo, The University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, 1010 N Kansas St., Wichita, KS 67214, USAFollow
Carter Altenbernt, The University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, 1010 N Kansas St., Wichita, KS 67214, USAFollow
Yessin Wael, The University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, 1010 N Kansas St., Wichita, KS 67214, USAFollow
Hayrettin Okut, The University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, 1010 N Kansas St., Wichita, KS 67214, USAFollow
Alex Watkins, The University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, 1010 N Kansas St., Wichita, KS 67214, USAFollow
Nola Tran, The University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, 1010 N Kansas St., Wichita, KS 67214, USAFollow
Alishka Rojas-Addari, The University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, 1010 N Kansas St., Wichita, KS 67214, USAFollow

ORCID

Samuel Ofei-Dodoo: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6487-3631

Abstract

Patient satisfaction and perceived quality of care are key indicators of health care performance, yet the relative influence of demographic versus communication-related factors remains underexplored. Using data from 7,278 non-institutionalized United States adults in the nationally representative Health Information National Trends Survey, descriptive statistics summarized respondent characteristics and experiences with health care professionals, and survey-weighted multinomial logistic regression identified predictors of perceived health care quality. Respondents generally reported positive experiences, with communication-related factors emerging as the strongest predictors of excellent ratings. Patients who were always included in decisions (OR = 3.44; 95% CI, 1.11-10.69), received clear explanations (OR = 11.24; 95% CI, 1.56-66.63), had sufficient time with health care providers (OR = 11.06; 95% CI, 1.11-14.77), or received support in managing uncertainty (OR = 7.92; 95% CI, 2.90-21.64) had significantly higher odds of rating their care as excellent. Conversely, non-Hispanic Black respondents (OR = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.20-0.68) and those with lower educational attainment (OR = 0.28; 95% CI, 0.12-0.65) were less likely to provide excellent ratings. Relational aspects of care, including addressing emotions and fostering shared decision-making, were delivered less consistently, highlighting important areas for improvement. These findings suggest that technical competence and access alone are insufficient for patients to perceive care as excellent; rather, patient-centered communication, empathy, and shared decision-making are needed to enhancing satisfaction, building trust, and promoting equity in health care. Strengthening these relational dimensions may help reduce disparities and improve the overall patient experience.

Recommended Citation

Ofei-Dodoo S, Altenbernt C, Wael Y, Okut H, Watkins A, Tran N, Rojas-Addari A. Patient Satisfaction and Perceived Quality of Care: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study of United States Adults. Patient Experience Journal. 2026; 13(1):276-285. doi: 10.35680/2372-0247.2075.