المستخلص: |
The success of a hospital or a healthcare organization is largely dependent on the quality of service perceived by the customers or patients. Brand image and service quality are usually interlinked, and play major roles in the customer selection process. The quality of the healthcare service is reflected in the efficiency by which the organization can utilize their resources, to deliver a well renowned service. The objective of this research paper is to discuss the role of quality in healthcare organizations, in shaping the purchasing decisions of customers, with particular reference to the choice of hospitals in Saudi Arabia. It also seeks to question and evaluate the parameters of quality that customers may consider when choosing a hospital or healthcare organization. This research is timely in light of the strong developments in the healthcare industry in Saudi Arabia This study was conducted by gathering primary data from a sample group of 103 people. The data was gathered using a questionnaire with Likert scale, thereby making it easier to quantify the responses. The analysis of the data revealed that a hospital with a strong positive brand image is most likely to be selected by customers to provide healthcare services. It was also found that consumer perception of healthcare organizations could be influenced by consumerism, which is supported by the increased competitiveness in the industry and the change in consumer spending behavior. The research concluded that a customer’s decision on an appropriate healthcare provider is directly correlated with the service level parameters of the hospital or healthcare organization.
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