Impact of Nurse–Patient Communication on Patient Satisfaction: An Empirical Study in South Punjab

Abstract

Background: Effective nurse–patient communication is a core component of patient-centered care and a recognized determinant of patient satisfaction; however, quantitative evidence from secondary-level public hospitals in South Punjab remains limited. Objective: To assess the association between perceived nurse–patient communication and patient satisfaction among admitted patients at a district-level public hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at THQ Hospital Kot Addu over five months, including 100 adult inpatients selected through consecutive sampling. Data were collected using a structured Likert-scale questionnaire measuring communication (listening, clarity, respect, involvement, cultural sensitivity) and satisfaction domains. Composite scores were calculated, internal consistency assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, and associations examined through Pearson correlation and multivariable linear regression adjusting for age, sex, ward type, education, and length of stay. Results: Participants had a mean age of 41.8±13.6 years, with 58% males. Communication and satisfaction scores were high (4.09±0.74 and 4.12±0.69, respectively). Communication demonstrated an exceptionally strong positive correlation with satisfaction (r=0.975; 95% CI: 0.964–0.983; p<0.001). In adjusted regression, communication remained the only significant predictor (β=0.91; standardized β=0.95; p<0.001), explaining 95.1% of satisfaction variance (R²=0.951). Conclusion: Perceived nurse–patient communication is strongly and independently associated with patient satisfaction in this public-sector inpatient setting, underscoring communication-focused interventions as a strategic priority for quality improvement.