Aim <p>Student-run free clinics (SRFCs) have emerged as promising models for expanding access to healthcare in traditionally underserved communities. This study examines the impact of student involvement on self-reported patient satisfaction by comparing patient satisfaction outcomes between SRFCs and non-student-run free clinics (non-SRFCs).</p> Subject and methods <p>A comprehensive review and analysis of existing literature was conducted, using integrated meta-analysis and descriptive analysis methods. Quantitative and qualitative data of patient satisfaction data from SRFCs and non-SRFCs was synthesized. Quantitative satisfaction responses were categorized into binary answers (positive vs. non-positive) to allow for standardized comparison across studies.</p> Results <p>The analysis revealed no significant difference in overall patient satisfaction between SRFCs and non-SRFCs. However, differences emerged in specific domains: SRFCs scored significantly higher in wait time satisfaction, while non-SRFCs scored significantly higher in perceived quality of treatment and patient education.</p> Conclusion <p>Data analysis showed no significant difference in the overall satisfaction score of SRFCs compared to non-SRFCs. For individual survey variables, SRFCs scored significantly higher for wait time satisfaction compared to non-SRFCs, but significantly lower in quality of treatment and patient education. These findings, supported by descriptive analysis, may encourage the continued use and expansion of both SRFCs and non-SRFCs to improve healthcare accessibility and help clarify areas that each require improvement to deliver the highest quality of care possible.</p>