Evaluation of patient satisfaction with the virtual clinic in Jazan City: Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Patient satisfaction is a key component in the quality of care and is an element in the dissemination and adoption of virtual clinic facilities. Evaluating patient satisfaction has become an essential indicator of healthcare performance and outcomes. The aim of the study was to evaluate patient satisfaction with the virtual clinic. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of 305 patients visiting a virtual clinic at three general hospitals in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted using a quantitative descriptive correlational design. The researcher employed the Telehealth Satisfaction Scale to assess patient satisfaction with virtual clinic care. Satisfaction scores were compared between groups using an independent sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance. The study indicated that patients reported a high degree of satisfaction with their virtual clinic. Most scale item averages were greater than 3, indicating ratings of "good" to "excellent" satisfaction. There was no statistically significant relationship between patient satisfaction with the virtual clinic and sociodemographic characteristics. Despite the fact that virtual clinics in the healthcare sector in the Jazan area are relatively new, the survey results show high levels of satisfaction with the service. The courtesy, respect, sensitivity, and friendliness of the virtual clinic staff and respecting patients' privacy were essential to patients, demonstrating that virtual clinics may improve access to care.