Abstract
Objective: To examine the level of satisfaction with specific dimensions of nursing care in an
effort to provide quality improvement knowledge that will lead to understand and identify the
principle drivers to patient satisfaction.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at District Headquarter Hospital Dera Ismail
Khan, from July 1, 2006 to August 31, 2006.
In the description of nursing care, we have used a Questionnaire regarding satisfaction which
was administered by the investigator in line with Henderson’s basic nursing care model..
Six dimensions of care were selected for examination.
Results: Total 153 eligible patients were identified and invited for interview through
questionnaire. Out of these, 122 patients agreed to participate. Overall, patients had a variable
experience of nursing care; 45 % patients were satisfied with care provided, while 55 % were
partially dissatisfied. Among 6 dimensions of care, 94 % liked nursing practice of keeping
privacy of patients. When asked about behavior, 90 % patients were not feeling comfortable
talking to nurses. Only 10 % felts nurses were excellent. 84 % patients had negative experiences
as they observed nurses were not attentive to their needs, particularly at night. The same
percentage also had negative perception with respect to physical care. Overall, the data showed
that patients’ expectations were not sufficiently met
Conclusion: Nursing care is a key determinant of overall patient satisfaction during hospital
admission. Patients’ comments suggest that number of concerns must be addressed. The nurses
need to know what factors influence patient satisfaction, if we must improve the quality of health
care. (Rawal Med J 2007;32:28-30)

Key words: Nursing, patient, hospital, satisfaction.