Ranking patients’ non-clinical preferences in referring to specialist physicians in the private sector: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Understanding non-clinical factors that influence how women choose obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs) is essential for delivering patient-centered care. This study aimed to identify and rank the non-clinical preferences when selecting OB/GYN specialists in the private healthcare sector in Mashhad, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted from January to February 2018, 462 patients completed a validated 45-item questionnaire (CVI = 0.80, Cronbach’s alpha = 0.88) assessing their non-clinical preferences. Preferences were rated on a 5-point scale and ranked using Friedman’s test. Associations between demographic factors and preferences were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and ordinal logistic regression. Results: The highest-rated criteria included physicians’ attentiveness and respect for patients, respectful staff behavior, short waiting times, and ensuring privacy during examinations. The latest important criteria were physician age, university affiliation, and office proximity to patient’s home. Education level, pregnancy experience, and number of prior OB/GYN visits were significantly associated with certain preferences. Multivariate regression revealed that higher education and more prior OB/GYN visits independently predicted greater importance placed on short waiting time and respectful staff behavior. Conclusion: Beyond clinical competence, non-clinical factors-particularly those related to interpersonal behavior, communication, and privacy-are central to patient-centered care in OB/GYN settings. Recognizing and integrating these preferences into service delivery can strengthen trust, enhance satisfaction, and support ethical, patient-centered care in the private healthcare sector.