Analysis Of The Interpersonal Communication Of Doctors With Patient Satisfaction In Increasing Outpatient Visits In The Disease Clinic In The Sultan Sulaiman Regional General Hospital In Serdang Bedagai Regency

Analysis of the Interpersonal Communication of Doctors with Patient Satisfaction in Increasing Outpatient Visits in the Disease Clinic in the Sultan Sulaiman Regional General Hospital in Serdang Bedagai Regency

Introduction

Effective communication between doctors and patients plays a crucial role in determining the level of patient satisfaction. The success of this communication not only affects the patient's comfort but also has an impact on the doctor's satisfaction in carrying out their duties. In the context of health services, the Sultan Sulaiman Regional General Hospital (RSUD) is inseparable from the dynamics of communication carried out by medical personnel, especially doctors, in interacting with their patients. This study aims to explore the relationship between the interpersonal communication of doctors and patient satisfaction and how this can increase outpatient visits at Sultan Sulaiman Regional Hospital, Serdang Bedagai Regency.

Methodology

A study was conducted from April to December 2016, involving 68 respondents chosen through accidental sampling techniques. Research data were collected through interviews and questionnaires and were analyzed quantitatively. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between the interpersonal communication of doctors and patient satisfaction, as well as the impact of patient satisfaction on outpatient visits.

Results

The results showed that the interpersonal communication of doctors at Sultan Sulaiman Regional Hospital was in a good category, and there was a significant influence between interpersonal communication with the level of patient satisfaction. This means that the better communication that exists between doctor and patient, the higher the patient's satisfaction with the services received. In addition, patient satisfaction serves as a moderator that strengthens the relationship between interpersonal communication and patient visits to Sultan Sulaiman Regional Hospital.

Interpersonal Communication in the Health Context

Interpersonal communication in the health context is not trivial. According to communication theory, good interactions can create a more harmonious relationship between doctors and patients. This is proven in this study, where effective communication helps patients feel more comfortable to express their complaints. By understanding the problems faced by the patient in depth, the doctor can provide a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plans.

Patient Satisfaction as an Indicator of Quality Health Services

Patient satisfaction can be seen as an important indicator of the quality of health services. Patients who feel satisfied tend to return to get further service and recommend the place to others. Therefore, Sultan Sulaiman Regional Hospital, through good interpersonal communication practices, is able to increase the level of outpatient visits. Not only that, high patient satisfaction can also contribute to the positive image of the hospital in the eyes of the community.

Improving Interpersonal Communication of Doctors with Patients

To improve the interpersonal communication of doctors with patients, RSUD can conduct communication training for doctors and other medical personnel. With the right training, the doctor will be better prepared in dealing with various communication situations and can meet the patient's emotional needs. This will not only increase patient satisfaction but will also increase the morals and performance of doctors as health workers.

Conclusion

Overall, the analysis of the interpersonal communication of doctors with patient satisfaction is the key to increasing patient visits at Sultan Sulaiman Regional Hospital. By paying attention and developing this aspect, it is hoped that health services can continue to be improved and better in the future. Effective communication between doctors and patients is essential in providing quality health services, and it is the responsibility of healthcare institutions to ensure that this communication is effective and efficient.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

1. Conduct Communication Training for Doctors and Medical Personnel: RSUD should conduct communication training for doctors and other medical personnel to improve their interpersonal communication skills.
2. Develop a Communication Strategy: RSUD should develop a communication strategy that focuses on improving the interpersonal communication of doctors with patients.
3. Monitor Patient Satisfaction: RSUD should regularly monitor patient satisfaction to ensure that the quality of health services is maintained.
4. Provide Feedback to Doctors: RSUD should provide feedback to doctors on their communication skills to help them improve.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

1. Small Sample Size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
2. Limited Data Collection: The data collection methods used in this study were limited, which may have affected the accuracy of the findings.
3. Cultural and Socio-Economic Factors: The study did not take into account cultural and socio-economic factors that may affect the interpersonal communication of doctors with patients.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

1. Investigating the Impact of Communication Training on Patient Satisfaction: Future research should investigate the impact of communication training on patient satisfaction.
2. Developing a Communication Strategy for Healthcare Institutions: Future research should develop a communication strategy for healthcare institutions that focuses on improving the interpersonal communication of doctors with patients.
3. Monitoring Patient Satisfaction: Future research should regularly monitor patient satisfaction to ensure that the quality of health services is maintained.
   Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Analysis of the Interpersonal Communication of Doctors with Patient Satisfaction in Increasing Outpatient Visits in the Disease Clinic in the Sultan Sulaiman Regional General Hospital in Serdang Bedagai Regency

Q: What is the importance of interpersonal communication between doctors and patients?

A: Effective communication between doctors and patients plays a crucial role in determining the level of patient satisfaction. The success of this communication not only affects the patient's comfort but also has an impact on the doctor's satisfaction in carrying out their duties.

Q: What is the relationship between interpersonal communication and patient satisfaction?

A: The results of this study showed that there is a significant influence between interpersonal communication with the level of patient satisfaction. This means that the better communication that exists between doctor and patient, the higher the patient's satisfaction with the services received.

Q: How can healthcare institutions improve the interpersonal communication of doctors with patients?

A: Healthcare institutions can improve the interpersonal communication of doctors with patients by conducting communication training for doctors and other medical personnel. With the right training, the doctor will be better prepared in dealing with various communication situations and can meet the patient's emotional needs.

Q: What is the role of patient satisfaction in increasing outpatient visits?

A: Patient satisfaction serves as a moderator that strengthens the relationship between interpersonal communication and patient visits to Sultan Sulaiman Regional Hospital. Patients who feel satisfied tend to return to get further service and recommend the place to others.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including a small sample size, limited data collection methods, and the lack of consideration for cultural and socio-economic factors that may affect the interpersonal communication of doctors with patients.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research?

A: Future research should focus on investigating the impact of communication training on patient satisfaction, developing a communication strategy for healthcare institutions, and regularly monitoring patient satisfaction to ensure that the quality of health services is maintained.

Q: What are the implications of this study for healthcare institutions?

A: The findings of this study have implications for healthcare institutions, including the need to develop a communication strategy that focuses on improving the interpersonal communication of doctors with patients, providing feedback to doctors on their communication skills, and regularly monitoring patient satisfaction.

Q: How can healthcare institutions ensure that the quality of health services is maintained?

A: Healthcare institutions can ensure that the quality of health services is maintained by regularly monitoring patient satisfaction, providing feedback to doctors on their communication skills, and developing a communication strategy that focuses on improving the interpersonal communication of doctors with patients.

Q: What are the benefits of effective communication between doctors and patients?

A: The benefits of effective communication between doctors and patients include increased patient satisfaction, improved health outcomes, and a positive image of the healthcare institution in the eyes of the community.

Q: How can healthcare institutions improve the morale and performance of doctors?

A: Healthcare institutions can improve the morale and performance of doctors by providing them with the necessary training and resources to improve their communication skills, providing feedback on their performance, and recognizing and rewarding their achievements.

Q: What are the challenges of improving the interpersonal communication of doctors with patients?

A: The challenges of improving the interpersonal communication of doctors with patients include the need for ongoing training and education, the lack of resources and support, and the difficulty of changing established communication patterns.

Q: How can healthcare institutions overcome these challenges?

A: Healthcare institutions can overcome these challenges by providing ongoing training and education, allocating sufficient resources and support, and implementing changes to communication policies and procedures.