The relationship between presenteeism among nurses and patients’ experience in tertiary hospitals in China

Abstract

This study aims to observe the current situation of nurses' presenteeism and the relationship between presenteeism among nurses and patient perceptions and examine its implications for nursing management. The study design was quantitative, correlational and cross-sectional. The researchers used convenience samples of nurses and patients from five hospitals who agreed to participate in an online survey distributed using Sojump Survey Software. A total of 500 in-service nurses from five tertiary hospitals in Henan Province in China were recruited as the nurse participants. Among them, 433 met the inclusion criteria and completed the general information questionnaire and the presenteeism scale. Patients who were hospitalised for three days or more and were cared for by one or more nurse participants were included in the study. In total, 435 patient participants answered the Inpatient Experience Questionnaire. The responses collected from both groups were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Nurses' presenteeism was a key factor that affected patient experience. Presenteeism among nurses is a common phenomenon. Although patients’ experience was overall positive, there is still room for improvement. Reducing presenteeism among nurses is crucial for improving patient experience, creating harmonious nurse–patient relationships and sharing a common mission.