South Korea’s aging population has led to more elderly outpatients managing chronic conditions, requiring ongoing care. Patient experience and treatment satisfaction are key factors influencing revisit intentions, compliance, and healthcare loyalty....
South Korea’s aging population has led to more elderly outpatients managing chronic conditions, requiring ongoing care. Patient experience and treatment satisfaction are key factors influencing revisit intentions, compliance, and healthcare loyalty. This study examines how doctor-patient communication affects treatment satisfaction among elderly outpatients, using data from the 2023 Medical Service Experience Survey. A total of 4,098 individuals aged 60 and above were analyzed, with communication quality measured across seven dimensions including clear explanations, adequate dialogue, empathy, and courtesy.
The results showed a strong positive correlation between communication quality and satisfaction. Adequate dialogue had the strongest impact, followed by courtesy. Higher education, income, and system familiarity were linked to greater satisfaction. Follow-up patients and general hospital users reported higher satisfaction than first-time visitors and clinic patients. These findings highlight the importance of elderly-friendly communication and support the development of patient-centered healthcare policies and training.