Analyzing the Mediating Role of Service Quality in the Relationship between Service Quality and Patient Satisfaction at Rafic Hariri University Hospital

Abstract

Purpose:  This study delves into the intricate web of relationships between tangible elements, responsibility, reliability, empathy, and patient satisfaction, with a specific focus on Rafic Hariri University Hospital Theoretical framework: The Expectancy-Disconfirmation Theory provides valuable insights into understanding patient satisfaction in the context of healthcare services. According to this theory, patient satisfaction is influenced by the comparison between their initial expectations and their subsequent perceptions of the actual service received   Design/Methodology/Approach:  With a sample size of 398 participants, a structured equation model was employed to analyze the mediating role of service quality in this context. The healthcare industry's dynamic nature necessitates a comprehensive understanding of factors influencing patient satisfaction for continuous improvement. Findings:  Service quality emerges as a mediator in this framework, acting as a bridge between the aforementioned factors and patient satisfaction. The mediating role of service quality implies that the impact of tangible elements, responsibility, reliability, and empathy on patient satisfaction is channeled through the lens of service quality. This emphasizes the vital role that hospital management and staff play in not only directly affecting patients but also indirectly through the quality of services rendered Research, Practical & Social implications:   Rafic Hariri University Hospital, as the backdrop for this study, provides a specific context in which to examine these relationships. With a diverse patient population and a reputation for delivering high-quality healthcare, this hospital offers valuable insights into the dynamics of patient satisfaction.  Originality/Value:  The findings shed light on the critical role of service quality as a mediator and underscore the importance of maintaining high standards across tangible elements, responsibility, reliability, and empathy to enhance patient satisfaction.