Calidad de atención y satisfacción del paciente en consulta externa: comparación entre un hospital público y uno privado

Abstract

This study compared the quality of care and patient satisfaction in outpatient services between a public and a private hospital in El Oro province, Ecuador. A structured survey was applied to 234 patients, assessing five perceived quality dimensions and overall satisfaction. Bivariate analyses revealed significant associations between hospital type and each quality component, as well as patient satisfaction. The ordered logistic regression model showed that receiving care in the private hospital, as well as perceiving empathy and health improvement, were significantly associated with higher satisfaction levels. These findings highlight relevant gaps between public and private sectors, underscoring the need for management strategies aimed at enhancing patient experience in public hospitals, particularly in humanized care and perceived effectiveness of health services.