Background of the Study
Patient satisfaction is a critical indicator of healthcare quality, reflecting how well patients perceive the care they receive, particularly in clinical settings such as general hospitals. Satisfaction is influenced by various factors, including communication with healthcare providers, the quality of care received, the environment, and the perceived competence of healthcare staff (Nguyen et al., 2023). In Nigeria, where healthcare systems often face challenges such as inadequate resources, high patient volumes, and infrastructural issues, understanding patient satisfaction is crucial to improving service delivery and patient outcomes (Olawole et al., 2023).
In Taraba State, a diverse and largely rural area in northeastern Nigeria, general hospitals play a crucial role in providing primary and secondary healthcare services to a significant portion of the population. However, due to resource constraints, long waiting times, and other systemic challenges, patients’ satisfaction with clinical nursing services is often called into question (Aliyu et al., 2024). Previous studies suggest that nurses’ ability to communicate effectively, provide empathetic care, and manage patient needs plays a significant role in patient satisfaction (Abdulrahman et al., 2024).
Understanding the factors that influence patient satisfaction with nursing services in Taraba State is essential to identifying areas for improvement. Given the growing focus on patient-centered care, evaluating satisfaction can provide insight into how nursing services can be better aligned with patient expectations and needs (Ibrahim et al., 2023). This study aims to evaluate the level of patient satisfaction with nursing care in general hospitals in Taraba State, identifying key factors that affect satisfaction and proposing strategies to improve clinical nursing services.
Statement of the Problem
Patient satisfaction is often regarded as a key outcome indicator in healthcare delivery. In Taraba State, several factors, such as inadequate nurse-patient ratios, delays in care, and insufficient nursing training, may hinder the delivery of high-quality clinical services (Ogbonna et al., 2023). While nursing staff are expected to provide compassionate, effective, and timely care, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on how patients perceive the quality of clinical nursing services in general hospitals in the state.
Previous research indicates that patients’ expectations regarding communication, empathy, and efficiency are not always met in the clinical settings of Taraba State (Oladipo et al., 2023). Additionally, patient satisfaction with nursing services has been linked to the quality of care provided, which in turn affects clinical outcomes and overall health system performance (Usman et al., 2024). Therefore, understanding the determinants of patient satisfaction in nursing services is crucial for improving the overall healthcare experience.
This study seeks to evaluate patient satisfaction with clinical nursing services in general hospitals in Taraba State, examining the factors that contribute to satisfaction and providing recommendations for improving service delivery.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the level of patient satisfaction with clinical nursing services in general hospitals in Taraba State.
2. To identify the factors influencing patient satisfaction with nursing care in general hospitals.
3. To recommend strategies for improving patient satisfaction with nursing services in Taraba State.
Research Questions
1. What is the level of patient satisfaction with clinical nursing services in general hospitals in Taraba State?
2. What are the key factors influencing patient satisfaction with nursing care?
3. What strategies can be implemented to improve patient satisfaction with nursing services in Taraba State?
Research Hypotheses
1. The level of patient satisfaction with clinical nursing services in general hospitals in Taraba State is low.
2. Factors such as communication, wait times, and nurse competency significantly influence patient satisfaction with nursing care.
3. Implementing targeted strategies can improve patient satisfaction with nursing services in general hospitals.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will be conducted in general hospitals across Taraba State, focusing on patient satisfaction with nursing services. Limitations include potential biases in patient self-reporting and the challenges of sampling a representative population due to the diversity of patient demographics across rural and urban areas.
Definition of Terms
• Patient Satisfaction: A measure of the extent to which patients are content with the healthcare services they receive, including clinical care, communication, and overall experience.
• Clinical Nursing Services: The provision of nursing care in a clinical setting, including assessment, treatment, education, and support to patients.
• Nurse-Patient Communication: The exchange of information between nurses and patients, which can influence patient understanding and satisfaction with care.
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