Linear and nonlinear models of patient satisfaction with medical care.

The relationship between overall patient satisfaction with medical care and satisfaction with various aspects of health services is explored in a community survey of 225 service consumers. Three alternative models are examined: (i) linear compensatory model; (2) nonlinear conjunctive model; and (3) nonlinear disjunctive model. The results indicate that the nonlinear, noncompensatory models predict overall satisfaction as well as does the linear compensatory model. The pattern of findings is different for men and women. The implications of the findings are discussed.