title: What do measures of patient satisfaction with the doctor tell us?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To gain an understanding of how patient satisfaction (PS) with the doctor (PSD) is conceptualized through an empirical review of how it is currently being measured. The content of PS questionnaire items was examined to (a) determine the primary domains underlying PSD, and (b) summarize the specific doctor-related characteristics and behaviors, and patient-related perceptions, composing each domain.
  
  
  METHODS
  A scoping review of empirical articles that assessed PSD published from 2000 to November 2013. MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases were searched.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The literature search yielded 1726 articles, 316 of which fulfilled study inclusion criteria. PSD was realized in one of four health contexts, with questions being embedded in a larger questionnaire that assessed PS with either: (1) overall healthcare, (2) a specific medical encounter, or (3) the healthcare team. In the fourth context, PSD was the questionnaire's sole focus. Five broad domains underlying PSD were revealed: (1) Communication Attributes; (2) Relational Conduct; (3) Technical Skill/Knowledge; (4) Personal Qualities; and (5) Availability/Accessibility.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Careful consideration of measurement goals and purposes is necessary when selecting a PSD measure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The five emergent domains underlying PSD point to potential key areas of physician training and foci for quality assessment.
authors.affiliation: Behavioural Sciences & Health Research Division, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; College of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Electronic address: vboquire@uhnresearch.ca.
authors.forename: Virginia M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Boquiren
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; School of Health, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK. Electronic address: thack@sbrc.ca.
authors.forename: Thomas F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Hack
authors.affiliation: School of Health, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK. Electronic address: kbeaver@uclan.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Kinta
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Beaver
authors.affiliation: School of Health, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK. Electronic address: swilliamson2@uclan.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Williamson
keywords: Measurement; Patient satisfaction; Patient–physician communication; Review