Assessing the impact of effective nurse-patient communication on patient satisfaction: A quantitative study in Holy Family Hospital, Berekum

Abstract

Effective nurse-patient communication is a critical component of quality healthcare and a strong predictor of patient satisfaction. This quantitative cross-sectional study assessed the relationship between communication effectiveness and satisfaction among 50 admitted patients at Holy Family Hospital, Berekum. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed with SPSS Version 25.0, applying descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that 76% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that nurses communicated clearly, listened attentively, and used understandable language. Notably, 80% indicated that nurses treated them with respect during interactions. Patient satisfaction was also high: 78% were satisfied with communication, 76% felt it improved their trust in nurses, and 76% felt more involved in their care due to effective communication. Furthermore, 72% of participants stated they would recommend the hospital based on the quality of nurse-patient communication. Key communication factors influencing satisfaction included friendliness and respect (76%), clarity of explanations (70%), and listening skills (68%). The study also found that demographic variables—such as age, gender, and educational level—moderated patients’ perceptions, with younger and more educated patients expressing higher expectations for clarity and responsiveness. The study concludes that effective nurse-patient communication significantly enhances patient satisfaction and trust. It recommends targeted communication training, structured interaction frameworks, and demographic-sensitive communication strategies to improve patient-centered care in resource-limited settings like Holy Family Hospital.