Philippine E-Journals

Comparison of Nurses’ and Patients’ Perceptions of Caring Behaviors

Roberto C. Sombillo

Discipline: Nursing

 

Abstract:

This paper aims to compare the patients’ and nurses’ perceptions of caring behavior in a Medical Surgical Unit. The study used a descriptive correlational design to determine the relationships between sociodemographi c variables and caring behaviors. A descriptive, 2group , crosssectiona l design to determine differences between patients’ and nurses’ perceived value of caring behaviors within the context of two levels of care complexity was likewise employed. The researcher devised Caring Behavior Questionnaire which was used to collect data on perceived value of caring behaviors. The instrument was found reliable with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of .8586. Statistics used to analyze the data were frequency counts, percentages, Pearson product moment correlation coefficient, Spearman rho coefficient and ttes t for independent sample. The findings of the study reveal that there is a general congruence in the perceived value of caring behaviors between patients and nurses in the Medical Surgical Units in both levels of care complexity. The findings also suggest that as care becomes complex, different aspects of caring behaviors are perceived to be of greater value.