THE INFLUENCE OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDER’S PROFESSIONAL ETHICS ON PATIENT SATISFACTION: MEDIATING EFFECT OF PATIENT COMMITMENT

Abstract

China continues to deepen its healthcare reform by prioritizing patient needs and constantly adjusting and improving medical services to promote continuous improvement in service quality. Professional ethics are crucial qualities of healthcare providers and significantly impact service quality, patient commitment, and satisfaction. This study explores the relationships among professional ethics, patient satisfaction, and patient commitment, providing insights to enhance patient satisfaction and commitment. This cross-sectional study surveyed patients who visited primary healthcare institutions in Anhui, China, using standardised electronic questionnaires within the past six months. The data collection tools included validated and reliable questionnaires on professional ethics, patient satisfaction, and patient commitment. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and mediating effect analysis. The mediating effect was tested and verified using causal stepwise regression. The study sample comprised 1,092 patients who visited primary healthcare institutions in China within the past six months. The correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between professional ethics and patient commitment and a significant positive correlation between professional ethics and patient satisfaction This study also found that there is a positive correlation between patient commitment and patient satisfaction. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that patient commitment mediates the relationship between professional ethics and patient satisfaction. The professional ethics of healthcare provider directly influence patient satisfaction and affect it indirectly through patient commitment. Measures to enhance the level of professional ethics, such as establishing ethics and conduct records, can increase patient commitment and improve patient satisfaction to a certain extent.