Studies show that if hospital costs are perceived high then patient satisfaction is lower (Andaleeb, 1988). If physical facilities, including: cleanliness; modern equipment; and the general feeling that the hospital is in a good physical condition, are well perceived then patient satisfaction increases (Andaleeb, 1988). Many dimensions discussed so far come close to factors determined by Parasuraman et al. (1988):
• reliability (competence);
• responsiveness (communication);
• tangibles (physical facilities); and
• empathy (staff demeanour).
Through factor analysis, Tucker and Adams (2001) reduced these variables to two primary dimensions thought to affect patient evaluations:
1. Provider performance – found to be the most significant in patient evaluations, associated with interpersonal relations and patient‐caregiver interactions.
2. Access – variables related to the patient's ability to gain care and the impediments to that process.