Primary nursing: an evaluation of its effects on patient perception of care and staff satisfaction

A study evaluating the effects of a system of primary nursing on patients’ perception of care and staff satisfaction is described. The study was conducted in a large acute medical-surgical hospital and incorporated a control group and quantitative measures of the variables under investigation. Significantly higher levels of patient and staff satisfaction were shown for the primary nursing unit on items which support the philosophy of primary nursing. Results are compared to previous studies and methodological issues are discussed.