Unveiling excellence in Indian healthcare: a patient-centric PRISMA analysis of hospital service quality, patient satisfaction and loyalty

Purpose This paper aims to provide a conceptual framework containing SERVQUAL original dimensions and add two additional dimensions: patient satisfaction and loyalty in the hospital SQ model that demonstrates the relationship between hospital service quality, patient satisfaction and loyalty from patients’ perspective. Design/methodology/approach This research conducted a thorough literature review using specific keywords and electronic databases, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Through analysis, the key dimensions of service quality in Indian hospitals were identified, with the addition of patient satisfaction and loyalty as variables. Of 1,000 initially downloaded papers, 497 were included. Findings While many researchers rely on the SERVQUAL model, some introduce new or modified dimensions, often renaming existing ones. This study identifies the RATER factors as the main dimensions patients use to evaluate hospital services. This study finds a positive relationship between service quality, patient satisfaction and loyalty. Practical implications An understanding of how health-care service quality dimensions, directly and indirectly, affect patient satisfaction and loyalty is important for hospital marketing managers. This study helps them take action to improve patient satisfaction, which encourages patients to be loyal. Originality/value This research provides a comprehensive framework for measuring health-care service quality, combining SERVQUAL dimensions and new variables. This study offers useful insights for academics and health-care professionals, promoting more accurate measurement and enhancement of service quality. The use of PRISMA in this context is also innovative, as it is less common in administrative health-care research.