Studying patient satisfaction: patient voices of quality

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to describe the lived experience and satisfaction of 20 patients after discharge from two acute care rural hospitals. Issues involved in measuring patient satisfaction are discussed in this article. Results of the research are discussed within the themes of (1) knowledgeable watchfulness, (2) thoughtful presencing, and (3) hospital: home and homeless. One pattern, nursing as a bridge, was found throughout the interviews. The authors recommend incorporating qualitative components in the study of patient satisfaction to capture the subtle, invisible ways that nursing interventions can enhance patient satisfaction with quality health care.