Otani Koichiro, Kim B Joon, Waterman Brian, Boslaugh Sarah, Klinkenberg W Dean, Dunagan W Claiborne
Department of Public Policy, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46805, USA.
Health Mark Q. 2012;29(3):256-69. doi: 10.1080/07359683.2012.705724.
This article presents the rationale for using multilevel analysis to address the broad environmental contexts in patient satisfaction research. This study utilized patient satisfaction data and the American Hospital Association Hospital Guide Book (2004). This study found significant contributions of individual patient attribute reactions (nursing care, physician care, etc.), and also clearly demonstrated hospital-level effects and cross-level interactions on patient satisfaction. Thus, it is clear that patient satisfaction is not solely explained by patients' attribute reactions and their demographic variables, but is also explained by patients' hospital levels. This approach would offer additional understanding in patient satisfaction research.
