Key Factors Influencing Outpatient Satisfaction in Chronic Disease Care: Insights from the 2023 Korea HSES

Background/Objectives: The outpatient healthcare experiences of patients with chronic diseases significantly impact disease management and quality of life. Patient satisfaction with healthcare services serves as a critical indicator of the responsiveness of healthcare systems and the advancement of patient-centered care. This study aimed to identify key factors influencing patient satisfaction and propose strategies for improvement. Methods: Using secondary data from the 2023 Healthcare Service Experience Survey (HSES), we analyzed patient satisfaction and its associated factors among respondents aged 15 years and older from households nationwide. Through multiple regression analysis and statistical testing, we examined the impact of the healthcare facility type, sociodemographic characteristics, and healthcare service experiences on satisfaction levels. Results: Information provided by physicians and nurses, communication with healthcare providers, and shared decision-making processes had a significant impact on patient satisfaction. Satisfaction levels were highest in hospitals and lowest in clinics. Older patients and those who discontinued treatment due to the financial burden reported lower satisfaction. Notably, information provided by nurses had the most substantial positive influence on satisfaction. Conclusions: Delivering patient-centered outpatient healthcare services is essential in improving satisfaction and health outcomes. Enhancing the service quality, reducing financial burdens, and adopting digital platforms to promote patient engagement are critical measures. These approaches will strengthen chronic disease management systems and contribute to improving the overall quality of life of the population. The entire study focused on outpatient care.