Satisfaction with nursing care: a comparison of patients with HIV/AIDS, non-HIV/AIDS infectious diseases, and medical diagnoses.

The purpose of this study was to describe patients' perceptions of nursing care and compare those perceptions based on patients' diagnoses (HIV/AIDS, non-HIV/AIDS infectious diseases, and medical diagnoses). One hundred forty-two patients on five units in a major medical center were surveyed using the Patient Satisfaction Instrument. In addition, 126 staff nurses completed the AIDS Vulnerability Survey. Results of data analysis indicated a statistically significant difference in patient satisfaction with nursing care among patients in the medical group compared to patients in the HIV/AIDS group, with the medical group being more satisfied with their nursing care. Further, there was a statistically significant difference across units between nurses' knowledge, attitude, and fear. In spite of their knowledge base related to HIV/AIDS, nurses felt vulnerable when providing care to this population, thus perpetuating fear and negative attitudes. Additional research into the dynamics of these relationships is imperative as we continue to see increases in the number of patients with HIV/AIDS.