Impact of Recommended Patients on Hospital Services and Professional Interactions: A Qualitative Study
| Author | Paria Kazemi | en |
| Author | Mahboobeh Saber | en |
| Orcid | Paria Kazemi [0000-0001-9433-5220] | en |
| Orcid | Mahboobeh Saber [0000-0002-4151-429X] | en |
| Issued Date | 2026-02-25 | en |
| Abstract | Background: In hospital settings, equitable care requires that patients with similar clinical needs receive comparable services. However, “recommended patients” (those introduced through personal or political connections) often experience expedited access and preferential treatment, creating disparities in service delivery. Objectives: This qualitative study aimed to explore how the presence of recommended patients influences (1) the provision of services to other patients, (2) clinical treatment processes, and (3) professional interactions among healthcare staff in Iranian teaching hospitals. Methods: Using a purposive sampling strategy, we recruited 14 participants (physicians, nurses, and hospital administrators) with at least five years of direct, continuous experience in hospital service provision. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed via inductive content analysis. Results: A total of 4 categories and 12 subcategories were extracted in this study. The first category was “The Referring Authority and Strategies of Influence” with four subcategories. The others were “Recommended Patient Reaction”, which had 2 subcategories, “Reaction and Effect on Treatment Process and Health Care Provider”, which had 4 subcategories, and “Reactions of Other Patients,” which had 2 subcategories. Conclusions: This study illustrates that, despite their limited numbers, recommended patients are perceived to substantially affect hospital dynamics. They shape service quality for non‑recommended patients, increase staff workload, and alter the professional atmosphere. The findings highlight the need for systemic interventions to promote equity and transparency in Iranian hospital settings. | en |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5812/semj-167751 | en |
| Keyword | Patient Favoritism | en |
| Keyword | Justice | en |
| Keyword | Qualitative Research | en |
| Keyword | Patient Care | en |
| Publisher | Brieflands | en |
| Title | Impact of Recommended Patients on Hospital Services and Professional Interactions: A Qualitative Study | en |
| Type | Research Article | en |
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