The importance of caring as a determinant of patient satisfaction among active duty beneficiaries

The satisfaction scores of active duty Department of Defense beneficiaries with the medical care they receive in military facilities are compared to test the hypothesis that caring is a primary determinant of patient evaluations. Patient satisfaction scores and sociodemographic and social psychological correlates of patient satisfaction were regressed to illuminate the attributes patients use to judge their health care experiences. Results show that very specific interpersonal aspects, such as reassurance, support, and interest in outcomes of the care experience, are important to patients.