Utilizing a Caring-based Nursing Model in an Interdepartmental Setting to Improve Patient Satisfaction

Abstract

Caring is viewed as the essence of nursing. However caring is not a phenomenon exclusive to nurses. Hospitalized patients encounter numerous people in addition to nurses and each role and individual make an impact upon the care of the patient. These encounters can dramatically influence the level of satisfaction a patient feels about their hospital experience. The purpose of this study was to determine if implementing an interdepartmental caring-based approach based on Jean Watson’s theory of human caring could have a positive effect on patient satisfaction. It was determined that satisfaction levels did improve significantly following a caring-based intervention.