The medical services market is inevitably changing. Competition among health care institutions is growing, patients’ health awareness and expectations regarding the quality of health services are increasing. This translates directly into, among others, to the patient’s choice of medical facility. “Satisfaction” defined as “general satisfaction accompanying the consumption of products or services” is an important aspect affecting the position of a healthcare institution on the health services market. While in the hospital, the patient carefully observes and remembers many details of behaviors and reactions he encounters. Opinions of patients about a medical facility are usually subjective and relate mainly to satisfaction with the treatment process, therefore the lack of proper care in terms of patients’ needs may result in the loss of the hospital’s reputation. A very important aspect of the assessment of any medical service is the direct relationship between the patient and medical staff, mainly nurse. Among the factors affecting the level of patient satisfaction during a hospital stay are, inter alia, the availability of a doctor, nursing care, conditions in the ward, the possibility of patient participation in the treatment process, providing the patient with information in a clear and reliable manner, and improved health. Factors related to nursing care that have the greatest impact on the patient’s level of satisfaction comprise the nurse’s individual approach to the patient, time devoted to him, providing professional information, patient education and scrupulous nursing activities.
The aim: The aim of the paper was to assess the role of perioperative nursing care in the satisfaction of patients after hip and knee joint replacements.