Patients’ and nurses’ perceptions of quality nursing activities

Nurses and patients come from varying backgrounds, and have different life experiences. Their perceptions regarding what comprises quality nursing care may differ. The objective of this article was to determine whether there is a difference in the perceived importance of nursing activities from the point of view of patients and nurses. If differing perceptions were found, the goal would then be to increase nursing awareness of these differences. A convenience sample of 30 nurses and 30 patients on a medical-–surgical unit were surveyed about nursing care using a 41-item questionnaire. Data obtained were divided into four classes of nursing activities: psychosocial, physical, safety, and indirect. There was a significant difference in the perceived importance of nursing activities by nurses and patients in the psychosocial and safety categories. Nursing activities that may not be recognized as such by patients, or which are not seen as important to quality care, should be clarified for patients. Clarification may also be useful in helping patients to understand the professional nursing role. In addition, this insight may heighten patient satisfaction with caregiving.