Factors related to the nursing student-patient relationship: the patients' perspective

The aim of this study was to describe patients' perceptions of factors related to three types of student-patient relationship identified in an earlier study: mechanistic (MR), authoritative (AR) and facilitative (FR). A further aim was to identify which factors predict the type of relationship. A convenience sample of Finnish-speaking internal medicine patients was recruited. The data were collected by using a five-point Likert-type questionnaire developed for this study. Data analysis used the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, one-way analysis of variance and multinomial logistic regression. Formal ethical approval for the study was obtained according to national and local directives. The results showed that a number of patients' background variables as well as contextual factors and consequences of the relationship were related to the type of relationship. In AR and FR patients had a named nursing student, a student who had enough time for the patient, and a positive perception of students' personal and professional attributes and of patients' improved health and commitment to self-care significantly more often than in MRs. A FR was also more common among patients in two-patient rooms than among patients in rooms of other sizes. Multinomial regression analysis revealed six significant predictors of FRs; university level education, several previous hospitalizations, admission to hospital for a medical problem, experience of caring for ill family member, positive perception of atmosphere during collaboration, and of student's personal and professional growth. The results provide important clues for promoting facilitative student-patient relationships and thus for enhancing the quality of nursing care.