Patient knowledge and nurse role strain in three hospital settings

The relationship between patient medical and hospital knowledge and nurse role strain is examined within three contrasting types of general hospital. The nature of this relationship was found to differ greatly within each of the three hospitals. Interpretations of these findings focus upon differences in organizational structure and climate, staff orientation, and type of clientele group. These data suggest that cuation should accompany attempts to generalize across different types of hospitals when questions relevant to the patient role are posed.