Patient
‐
Centred Quality of Nursing Care
: A Cross‐Sectional Study of the Level and Associated Factors as Perceived by Patients
Helena Leino‐Kilpi, Sanna Mäkinen, Saija Inkeroinen, Miko Pasanen, Jenna Poraharju, Heli Virtanen, Minna Stolt ABSTRACT
Aim
To produce evaluative knowledge on the patient‐centred quality of nursing care and factors related to it from the perspective of hospitalized patients in Finland.
Design
A cross‐sectional explorative study.
Review Methods
Survey instrument included the structured, internationally validated Good Nursing Care Scale (40 items) (Leino‐Kilpi 2025), General Evaluation of the Quality of Nursing Care (5 items) and background factors (15 items). The data were statistically analysed.
Data Sources
Data were collected between May and July 2025 from hospitalized adult patients ( N = 861), from two wellbeing services counties in Finland.
Results
Patients evaluated the quality of nursing care high: subcategories of Good Nursing Care Scale (Median 3.80–3.00, Scale 1–4), The General Evaluation of the Quality of Nursing (Median 9, Scale 4–10) and Patient educational support (Median 3.46, Scale 1–4). Lowest ratings were in the collaboration with the family/significant others. Identified statistically associated factors were patients´ work status and health status on the day of discharge, and sufficient information prior hospitalization.
Conclusion
The results both confirm existing knowledge and identify development needs in conceptual, methodological and clinical fields.
Implications for the Profession and Patient Care
The research has implications both on the patient and organizational levels, including role of the patients and leadership of nursing quality.
Impact
The public social and healthcare reform underscores the need for quality evaluation in Finland. The research showed the patient‐centred quality of nursing care in hospital being high, but identified areas for development. The findings may impact on nursing practice, nursing education and healthcare organizations.
Reporting Method
Reported in accordance with the STROBE guidelines.
Patient or Public Contribution
Patients were voluntary respondents in the study.