Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore patients’ perceptions of quality nursing care. Under the changing health care environment, more emphasis is placed on patient-cantered care. To meet patients’ needs and expectations, patients’ perceptions of quality nursing care must be given more concern 440 patients (purposive sample) in 18 inpatient nursing units in a China hospital were selected. The Perception of Quality Nursing Care Scale was distributed to ask about the quality of care as perceived by patients. Using descriptive statistics to analyze patients’ data. The overall mean score and each category mean score of quality nursing care as perceived by patients were at a high level. Patients perceived the highest score in category of progress of nursing process and the lowest mean score in preconditions for care. Patients perceived quality nursing care presented a challenge for nursing administrators to develop strategies for improving nursing care in those categories which patients perceived at a lower quality nursing care than the others, such as psychological support or the nurse’s sense of humor.

Key words: Patients’ perceptions, nursing care, quality nursing