Relationship between hospitalised patients’ perceptions of individualised and compassionate nursing care: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Individualised care and compassionate care are fundamental components of person-centred nursing, yet little is known about their relationship from the patient perspective. Understanding this link may help improve care quality and patient satisfaction. METHOD: This study examined the relationship between patients' perceptions of individualised and compassionate care. This descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 382 inpatients treated at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Health Practice and Research Hospital between March and October 2024. During data collection, the "Patient Information Form," the "Individualised Care Scale-B (ICS-B)," and the "5-Item Compassion Scale (5-CM)" were employed. Statistical analyses were performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Spearman's rho correlation coefficient, Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Bonferroni correction test. RESULTS: The mean total ICS-B score was 4.69 ± 0.43. Subscale means were 4.69 ± 0.47 for "Clinical Situation," 4.67 ± 0.52 for "Personal Life Situation," and 4.70 ± 0.44 for "Decision-Making Control." The mean total score for the 5-CM was 3.79 ± 0.39. A statistically significant, moderate, positive correlation was found between the ICS-B total and subscale scores and the 5-CM total score (Spearman's rho = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.44-0.69, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A positive relationship was found between patients' perceptions of individualised care and compassionate care. Strengthening individualised-care practices may enhance patients' experiences of compassionate care and improve overall patient satisfaction.