Nursing Competence as a Predictor of Patient Satisfaction in the Emergency Department of a Government Hospital in the Cordillera Administrative Region

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the relationship between nursing competence and patient satisfaction in the Emergency Department (ED) of a government hospital. Specifically, it sought to describe the profile of patient-respondents, assess patients’ perception of nursing competence in terms of understanding, practice, and attitude, determine their level of satisfaction with nursing care in terms of responsiveness, communication and explanation, and empathy and respect, and examine the significant relationship between nursing competence and patient satisfaction. A descriptive-correlational research design was used, and data were collected from 193 ED patients aged 18 years and above using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and Pearson correlation coefficient, were employed to analyze the data. Most respondents were female (65.3%), married (69.4%), and aged 61 years and above (23.3%), stayed in the ED for 1–3 hours (75.6%), with severe epigastric pain identified as the most common reason for consultation, and were classified as ESI Level 2 (48.2%). Patients perceived nursing competence as very high (M=3.66), with practice and attitude obtaining the highest ratings (M=3.77). Patient satisfaction was likewise rated very high (M=3.64), with empathy and respect receiving the highest score (M=3.83). A significant and strong positive relationship was found between nursing competence and patient satisfaction (r=0.863, p < 0.001), indicating that higher perceived nursing competence is associated with higher patient satisfaction. Nursing competence is a significant determinant of patient satisfaction in the Emergency Department. Competence in clinical practice, communication, responsiveness, professionalism, and empathy contributes substantially to positive patient experiences and satisfaction.