Advancing patient-centered care: development and validation of the Korean Hemodialysis Management Satisfaction Scale

Patient satisfaction is crucial in achieving better health outcomes, particularly for individuals undergoing hemodialysis. Although many patient satisfaction scales exist, few are culturally tailored to patients undergoing hemodialysis in Korea. This study aimed to develop and validate this population's Hemodialysis Management Satisfaction Scale.

A formative research approach involving qualitative and quantitative phases was used. In-depth interviews with 12 hemodialysis patients from four institutions identified culturally relevant satisfaction dimensions. These findings, combined with a literature review, informed the development of a draft questionnaire. The draft was administered to 121 hemodialysis patients to evaluate reliability and validity. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses validated the scale, and structural equation modeling tested nomological validity.

Five key factors emerged: nephrologist care, medical staff, facility, environment, and proficiency. The overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.82, indicating high reliability. Factor analyses supported the scale's construct validity, while structural equation modeling demonstrated that satisfaction positively influenced health self-efficacy, which improved perceived health status and daily life satisfaction. Model fit indices showed an adequate fit (chi-square, 215.389; degrees of freedom, 64; p = < 0.001; incremental fit index, 0.838; comparative fit index, 0.836; and root mean square residual, 0.053).

The Hemodialysis Management Satisfaction Scale is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the satisfaction of hemodialysis patients within a culturally specific context. Findings highlight the importance of patient-centered care and the role of health self-efficacy in enhancing outcomes. This culturally adapted tool enhances patient-provider understanding, paving the way for better-tailored, patient-centered care in Korea.