Abstract
Background: Patient satisfaction is a critical indicator of healthcare quality, reflecting the effectiveness of care delivery and the patient- centeredness of services. In Pakistan, where healthcare is provided through both public and private sectors, understanding patient perceptions of nursing care is essential for quality improvement. Limited local comparative evidence exists on patient satisfaction with nursing care in public versus private hospitals in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
Aim: This study aimed to compare the level of patient satisfaction with nursing care between public and private hospitals in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
Methodology: A comparative cross-sectional quantitative design was employed, involving 200 patients (100 from a public hospital and 100 from a private hospital) selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic information, communication, caring attitude, nursing responsiveness, environment, discharge processes, and overall evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, utilizing descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Overall, patients reported high satisfaction with nursing care across both settings. However, satisfaction levels were significantlhigher in private hospitals compared to public hospitals across multiple domains, including communication, responsiveness, empathy, and personalized care. Key strengths identified included nurses’ communication skills, prompt responsiveness, and professional competence. A notable area for improvement was the clarity of discharge instructions, particularly in public hospitals.
Conclusion: quality.While nursing care is positively perceived in both public and private hospitals in Abbottabad, private hospitals demonstrate higher patient satisfaction. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions in public hospitals—such as improved staffing, communication training, and structured discharge protocols— to enhance patient-centered care and reduce disparities in healthcare