[Quality of nurse-patient relationship: requirements]

The nursing philosophy of a Swiss hospital describes the nurse-patient relationship in terms of mutual respect, support, accompaniment and information. With these keywords a literature review has been made. Nine concepts have been identified: caring, interpersonal competence, autonomy, confidence, support, advocacy, empowerment, reassurance and patient participation. The empirical studies and concept descriptions were analyzed for criteria of the nurse-patient relationship. In the end 27 quality criteria are stated, which can be used for validation of standards assuring quality of care. Using these criteria can be seen as a step to an evidence-based practice.