What the study found
Inpatient satisfaction was mainly associated with how patients rated core service dimensions, rather than with most sociodemographic factors. The study found the highest satisfaction in medical processes and technology and the lowest satisfaction with costs.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that inpatient satisfaction is shaped by multiple factors and suggest that improvements may come from better doctor-patient communication, improved hospital environment and facilities, and a more standardized medical service process.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey of 433 inpatients at the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University using stratified random sampling. They used the Kruskal-Wallis test and ordered logistic regression to examine links between satisfaction, sociodemographic variables, and five core service dimensions.
What worked and what didn't
The mean overall satisfaction score was 4.49. Univariate analysis found payment method to be a significant correlate, but most sociodemographic factors showed limited significant associations. Ordered logistic regression identified perceived quality in the five core service dimensions as the primary significant predictors of overall inpatient satisfaction, and medical technology, doctor-patient communication, environmental factors, medical processes, and medical costs were all reported as significant positive influences.
What to keep in mind
The available summary describes one hospital setting in China, so the scope is limited to that context. The abstract does not describe additional limitations beyond the study design and sample used.
Key points
- The mean overall inpatient satisfaction score was 4.49.
- Satisfaction was highest for medical processes and technology and lowest for costs.
- Most sociodemographic factors were not strongly associated with satisfaction in the univariate analysis.
- Payment method was the only significant sociodemographic correlate reported in univariate analysis.
- Ordered logistic regression found the five core service dimensions to be the main predictors of overall satisfaction.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Inpatient satisfaction was linked to service quality in a China hospital survey
- Authors:
- Cairu Xu, Xinpeng Xu, Haibo He, Yanfang Su, Jiansong Ji
- Institutions:
- Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui Central Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, University of Washington
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-25
- OpenAlex record:
- View
- Image credit:
- Photo by Shotkitimages on Pixabay · Pixabay License
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