Patients' satisfaction on the nursing care in medical and surgical wards of Jimma Hospital.

Abstract

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in February 1998 to examine and analyze patient satisfaction with nursing care received at Jimma Hospital, Jimma-Ethiopia. The intent of this survey was to identify possible neglected areas of care, to form base-line information and identify areas for possible improvements of patient care. A sample of 60 patients was randomly selected from inpatients of the medical and surgical wards of Jimma Hospital. The patients were chosen from a list of patients who had been hospitalized for 3 days or more, and were at least 16 years of age and had clear orientation about place, time and person. To determine patient perception of the care received a fool was constructed with "Yes" or "No" answers to be used by nurse interviewers. The results revealed some interesting findings. The most positive areas of patient satisfaction of nursing care included: getting an immediate response from a call for help, positioning according to the nature of the disease, meals provision on time, appropriateness of meals in line with religious considerations, information regarding diets, greetings and politeness of nurses,' and attention to the medication prescribed. Low satisfaction emerged relative to offering help during meal time, information regarding the disease condition, as well as hospital facilities and ward environment, maintaining privacy, the degree of instruction for self care, result explanation, involving patient in discussion, and patient teaching and instructions for self care. Therefore, individualizing the type of nursing care and appropriate type of nursing personnel assignments has been recommended in order to improve the existing deficits of nursing care and address patient care needs for improved satisfaction.