Abstract
Background: It is well established that longer wait times are negatively associated with patient satisfaction with healthcare. This study aimed to estimate the magnitude of the effect of waiting time on patient satisfaction.
Subjects and Method: This meta-analysis was conducted using the PICO research question. Population: General patients. Intervention: Long waiting time. Comparison: Short waiting time. Outcome: Patient satisfaction. The articles were searched from databases PubMed, PLOS ONE, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Keywords used "Patient Satisfaction" AND "Waiting Time" OR "Waiting Time for Health Services" AND "Multivariate" AND "Cross-Sectional". Articles were published from 2015 to 2023. The data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3.
Results: The meta-analysis included 9 cross-sectional studies from Malaysia, China, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. The total sample size was 3,925 patients. Long waiting time decreased patient satisfaction, and it was statistically significant (aOR= 0.41; 95% CI= 0.33 to 0.52; p<0.001). The funnel plot indicated publication bias that overestimated the true effect.
Conclusion: Long waiting time decreases patient satisfaction, and it is statistically significant.
Keywords: waiting time, patient satisfaction.
Correspondence:
Normalia Levi Rismawati. Master’s Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret. Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta 57126, Central Java, Indonesia. Email: normalia.lecvi.r@gmail.com. Mobile: +6282225093120.
Article Data
