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Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)2026Patient ExperiencePatient Retention & LoyaltyHealthcare Quality

Cyberspace Supplementary Health Services and Patient Loyalty: The Role of Patient Experience in Saudi Arabia

Authors:Alaeddin Ahmad, Nizar Alsubahi, Fahad Alhazmi, Amani Al-Refai, Sara Fuad Talafha, Mohannad Alkhateeb, Mahmoud Alfatafta

Abstract & Study Summary

Background: Digital transformation has changed how patients interact with hospitals, making online supplementary services an important part of perceived service quality and relationship outcomes. This study examined the association between cyberspace supplementary health services (CSS), conceptualized as the Online Flower of Service (OFOS), and patient loyalty in private hospitals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and evaluated whether patient experience mediates this relationship. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adult inpatients and outpatients who had used at least one online hospital service. Data were collected electronically between 10 February 2026 and 10 May 2026 using a structured Arabic questionnaire administered via Google Forms. The final sample included 730 complete responses. CSS was measured across five digital supplementary dimensions (E-Information, E-Order Taking, E-Consultation, E-Billing, and E-Payment), alongside patient experience and patient loyalty, using five-point Likert scales. The measurement model was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis, and the structural relationships were tested using structural equation modeling. Results: CSS demonstrated a significant positive association with patient loyalty (β = 0.282, p p p Conclusions: Digitally delivered CSS components were positively associated with patient loyalty, with patient experience serving as an important mediating mechanism. Strengthening online information access, appointment-related processes, digital consultation, billing transparency, and payment convenience may be associated with more favorable patient experiences and stronger loyalty intentions in private hospital settings in Saudi Arabia.

Key Findings & Evidence Takeaways

  • ✓CSS was measured across five digital supplementary dimensions (E-Information, E-Order Taking, E-Consultation, E-Billing, and E-Payment), alongside patient experience and patient loyalty, using five-point Likert scales.
  • ✓The measurement model was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis, and the structural relationships were tested using structural equation modeling.
  • ✓Results: CSS demonstrated a significant positive association with patient loyalty (β = 0.282, p p p Conclusions: Digitally delivered CSS components were positively associated with patient loyalty, with patient experience serving as an important mediating mechanism.
  • ✓Strengthening online information access, appointment-related processes, digital consultation, billing transparency, and payment convenience may be associated with more favorable patient experiences and stronger loyalty intentions in private hospital settings in Saudi Arabia.

Why This Matters for Clinics & Healthcare Organizations

Provides empirical clinical evidence from Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) regarding Patient Experience outcomes.

Original Research Source & Citations

Peer-Reviewed Journal

Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)

Year: 2026

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/healthcare14162512

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PubMed CitationView on PubMed
Primary Publisher LinkPublisher Archive
Research Keywords & Subject Index
E-BillingE-ConsultationE-InformationE-Order TakingE-PaymentJeddahSaudi Arabiacyberspace supplementary health servicespatient experiencepatient loyaltypatient retention & loyaltyhealthcare quality

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