Patient satisfaction with radiology services in the UAE: A comprehensive analysis of care, comfort, service, and accessibility

Abstract

IntroductionThis paper analyses patient satisfaction with radiology services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study evaluates the care, comfort, service, and accessibility of the services and patient satisfaction with imaging procedures. MethodsThe research design employed a descriptive, cross-sectional approach, and data were collected through a survey consisting of eight sections. A total of 444 participants completed the survey, providing valuable insights into their demographics, appointment experiences, waiting times, staff attitudes and overall satisfaction. Results70.4% of the participants stated that it was easy to make appointments, and 66.1% stated that they were satisfied with the efficiency of check-ins. 54.9% felt they waited the right amount of time to make an appointment, and 56.1% were satisfied with the time waiting to receive the imaging report. The findings indicate that waiting times and staff attitudes significantly influence patient satisfaction, while demographic factors, such as nationality, education, and age, do not significantly impact them. The study concludes that healthcare providers should prioritise efficient appointment scheduling, reduce waiting times and foster positive patient–staff interactions to enhance patient satisfaction. The open-ended feedback provided by the participants also offers valuable suggestions for improving service quality. ConclusionThis study is a foundation for future research and provides healthcare organisations with valuable insights to enhance patient satisfaction in UAE radiology services. Implications for practiceHealthcare providers should focus on patient satisfaction to improve retention and loyalty, attract new patients and enhance their reputation.