Investigating word-of-mouth (WOM) factors influencing patients’ physician choice and satisfaction

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to determine the word-of-mouth constructs related to physician choice and to investigate relationships between the constructs and satisfaction. Method: A questionnaire consisted of three parts was conducted on people (n=1193) living in the province of Eskisehir, Turkey. The first part contained sixteen statements related to word-of-mouth messages about choosing a physician. A traditional approach to scale development was utilized. Items in the second part were concerned with satisfaction as the dependent variable. The final part included demographic variables. Results: The results of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed four valid WOM constructs (communication skill, expertise, reputation and success, and institutional facilities) and structural equation model (SEM) indicate that these constructs have both directly and indirectly effect on patient satisfaction. The results also showed that institutional facility mediated relationship between remaining factors and satisfaction. Conclusions: The relationships between physicians and patients have an indirect effect on potential patients. By understanding sources of patients’ satisfaction and dissatisfaction, physicians can develop appropriate relationship strategies to minimize the adverse effects of negative word-of-mouth on costs, quality and patient turnover. The results of the current study provide suggestions for better health care management and further insight into the challenges of improving patient satisfaction.

Authors and Affiliations

Metin Argan| Department of Sport Management, Sport Science Faculty, Anadolu University, Eskisehir, Turkey Corresponding E-mail: margan@anadolu.edu.tr

Keywords

Related Articles

Determining the optimal portal blood volume in a shunt before surgery in extrahepatic portal hypertension

The aim of the study: To determine the necessary shunt diameter and assess the optimal portal blood volume in a shunt in children with extrahepatic portal hypertension before the portosystemic shunt surgery. Changes in...

A cross sectional survey on knowledge, attitude and practices of health care professionals towards tobacco control in south India

Smoking tobacco is one of the leading and preventable cause of death worldwide. Apart from the responsibility of the Governments and the Non-governmental organizations, it is the duty of every health care professional t...

EFFECT OF PLYOMETRIC TRAINING ON VERTICAL JUMP HEIGHT IN HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PLAYERS: ARANDOMISED CONTROL TRIAL

Background: Plyometric involve high intensity eccentric contraction immediately after a powerful concentric contraction. A vertical leap in basketball also involves rapid & repeated muscle contraction & stretching. Vari...

Investigation of protein in blood serum of dengue patients by SDS-PAGE technique

Dengue viruses belong to the genus flavivirus within the Flaviviridae family. It is self limited viral infection that is transmitted between people by mosquitoes. The dengue virus genome encodes three structural and sev...

Production and Purification of Monoclonal Antibody Against Tumor Marker of TPA

Considering the invasive nature of cancer cells, one of the most important and best indicator of them is the markers inside them. One of the most important markers that observed in some types of cancer cells in various...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP11543
  • DOI -
  • Views 246
  • Downloads 10

How To Cite

Metin Argan (2016). Investigating word-of-mouth (WOM) factors influencing patients’ physician choice and satisfaction. International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences (IJMRHS), 5(1), 191-198. https://europub.co.uk./articles/-A-11543