The relationship between the perception of surgical fear and nursing satisfaction

Since patient satisfaction is considered a criterion in the evaluation of nursing care, it is important and necessary to know the factors associated with satisfaction. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between surgical fear and satisfaction with nursing care in surgical patients. This descriptive correlational study was conducted with 110 patients who underwent planned major surgical intervention in a university hospital in Turkey. A patient introduction form, the Surgical Fear Questionnaire and Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Care Scale were used to collect data, as well as a face to face interview with patients during the pre and postoperative periods. The results showed that the surgical fear levels of the patients were low, their satisfaction with nursing care was high, and a weak correlation existed between the fear and satisfaction levels. We recommend nursing care interventions aimed at keeping the surgical fear levels of patients low and their satisfaction high.