Examining the relationships between patient-physician communication, trust in physician and patient satisfaction

Concepts such as patient-physician communication, trust in physicians and patient satisfaction play a crucial role in the success of health institutions and health services. This study aims to determine the relationships between patient-physician communication, trust in physicians and patient satisfaction. The research data were obtained from individuals aged 18 years and over, living in Yalova, who received services from private hospitals in the last year by online survey method. The results of the study showed that the participants' perceptions of patient-physician communication were positive, and their levels of trust in physicians and patient satisfaction were high. It was determined that the participants' perceptions of patient-physician communication, trust in physicians and patient satisfaction levels did not show statistically significant differences according to gender and marital status. It was determined that the participants' perception of patient-physician communication and trust in physician levels showed statistically significant differences according to age. It was determined that the participants' patient satisfaction levels did not show a statistically significant difference according to age. Finally, the results of the study demonstrated that there was a positive relationship between patient-physician communication and trust in the physician. It also showed that there was a positive relationship between both patient-physician communication and patient satisfaction, and between trust in the physician and patient satisfaction. In line with the results of the study, various suggestions were made to increase the perception of positive patient-physician communication, trust in physicians and patient satisfaction. Keywords: Patient-Physician Communication, Trust in the Physician, Patient Satisfaction