How sensory marketing affects perceived service quality and customer satisfaction: study in Vietnam public hospitals

Purpose: This article aims to assess the impact of factors affecting the senses (via Sensory Marketing theory) on customer perceived quality and satisfaction when using health services in public hospitals. Based on the results, the research proposes solutions for public hospitals to improve the service experience to increase customer satisfaction in Vietnam generally and in developing countries particularly.

Design/methodology/approach: The authors used 619 respondents' non-convenient probability sampling method, focusing on objects experienced with public hospital services in Vietnam. A preliminary quantitative study (n = 113) and qualitative research (n = 20) have been conducted to finalise the designed questionnaire before conducting a formal quantitative survey. Cronbach Alpha, CFA and SEM have been used to explore the meanings of the data collected.

Findings: The result showed that through Sensory Marketing, sensorial stimulus (tactile, sight, smell and taste) significantly impacts customer satisfaction with medical services at the public hospital. Research findings are the premise to conclude that the application of the Sensory Marketing model creates a great sensory experience, and minimises negative psychological feelings in the medical, especially in a prioritised personalisation society.

Practical implications: The authors open up a new health service quality and satisfaction assessment tool based on the original human senses that were previously applied in researching other services, it has been proven to be successfully applied to specific service areas such as healthcare. This research is believed to provide valuable implications for medical service stakeholders and policymakers to improve service quality and enhance the customer experience and satisfaction level through sensorial approaches, strategies and tactics.

Originality/value: While most studies on customer satisfaction in the medical field use SERVQUAL, SERVPERF or KQCAH model, this study breaks the research gap by not only affirming and strengthening the research perspective on Sensory Marketing but also contributing to creating a solid theoretical framework on perceived service quality and satisfaction.