Patient centred consultation, satisfaction and young patients : a cross-country analysis

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the link between perceived dimensions of patient centred care and the satisfaction of adolescents and young adults within the UK, USA, Australian, Italian, and Chinese healthcare systems. Methods: One thousand and thirty-four participants (212 from China,206 from Australia,208 from UK, 202 from USA, and 206 from Italy) answered a self-report questionnaire assessing the perceived dimensions of patient centred care. Factor analysis (PFA) was conducted on the data to identify relevant dimensions. One-way ANOVAs were run to identify differences between country samples related to perceived dimensions of patient centredness, and a multi-level multiple regression model was computed to assess the link between satisfaction and dimensions of patient centred care. Results: Countries’ mean scores on ‘Satisfaction with Care’ (PF1) and on ‘Psychosocial Context’ (PF2) were statistically significant by inspecting the ANOVAs (p<.05). Satisfaction with care was predicted by PF2 and clinical utilization. Conclusion: An online survey collected meaningful data on perceptions of healthcare received by respondents from five countries. This initial international study highlights important associations worthy of closer investigation. Practice Implications: Healthcare providers should assess comprehensively the psychosocial context of young patients during consultations.