The Relationship Between Nurse Outcomes, The Work Environment, Nurse-Perceived Patient Outcomes, and Patient Satisfaction in Eswatini
1
School of Nursing, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3509
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Nurse outcomes are largely dependent on the work environment, and are key determinants of quality of care, patient safety, and patient satisfaction. However, this international trend has not been confirmed in Eswatini. This study examined the relationship between selected nurse outcomes and the work environment, nurse-perceived quality of care, patient safety, and patient-reported satisfaction in Eswatini.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 306 nurses and 350 patients from inpatient units in four public main hospitals, five public health centres, and two private hospitals across all four regions of Eswatini. Measurements included the work environment, nurse outcomes (physical and mental health, compassion fatigue, job satisfaction, and turnover intent), quality of care, patient safety, and patient satisfaction.
RESULTS:
Nearly half of the nurses rated their work environment as fair (n=129;42.16%), with staffing and resource adequacy rated lowest (M=1.99;SD±0.49). Nurses reported fair physical health (t=37.31;SD±5.35), good mental health (t=43.44;SD±5.16), moderate compassion fatigue (M=2.52;SD±0.72), and high emotional exhaustion (M=36.47;SD±9.27). Although most nurses were satisfied with their jobs (n=190;62.42%), they were most dissatisfied with salaries (M=1.45;SD±0.68), educational opportunities (M=1.51;SD±0.74), and appreciation, recognition, and rewards (M=1.54;SD±0.74). Almost half of the nurses showed intent to leave their current jobs (n=139;45.42%). Almost half intended to leave their jobs (n=139;45.42%). Over half rated quality of care as good to excellent (n=165;54.10%), while fewer rated patient safety as good or excellent (n=133;43.46%). Patients were most satisfied with doctors’ care (M=3.53;SD±0.50) and overall hospital care (M=8.27;SD±1.36). Strong correlations were found between the work environment and emotional exhaustion, compassion satisfaction, and job satisfaction, quality of care and patient safety.
CONCLUSIONS:
Nurses in Eswatini experience poor nurse outcomes, despite reporting generally positive levels of quality of care and patient safety. Improving the work environment is critical for enhancing nurse well-being, patient outcomes, quality of care, patient safety, and patient satisfaction.
Nurse outcomes are largely dependent on the work environment, and are key determinants of quality of care, patient safety, and patient satisfaction. However, this international trend has not been confirmed in Eswatini. This study examined the relationship between selected nurse outcomes and the work environment, nurse-perceived quality of care, patient safety, and patient-reported satisfaction in Eswatini.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 306 nurses and 350 patients from inpatient units in four public main hospitals, five public health centres, and two private hospitals across all four regions of Eswatini. Measurements included the work environment, nurse outcomes (physical and mental health, compassion fatigue, job satisfaction, and turnover intent), quality of care, patient safety, and patient satisfaction.
RESULTS:
Nearly half of the nurses rated their work environment as fair (n=129;42.16%), with staffing and resource adequacy rated lowest (M=1.99;SD±0.49). Nurses reported fair physical health (t=37.31;SD±5.35), good mental health (t=43.44;SD±5.16), moderate compassion fatigue (M=2.52;SD±0.72), and high emotional exhaustion (M=36.47;SD±9.27). Although most nurses were satisfied with their jobs (n=190;62.42%), they were most dissatisfied with salaries (M=1.45;SD±0.68), educational opportunities (M=1.51;SD±0.74), and appreciation, recognition, and rewards (M=1.54;SD±0.74). Almost half of the nurses showed intent to leave their current jobs (n=139;45.42%). Almost half intended to leave their jobs (n=139;45.42%). Over half rated quality of care as good to excellent (n=165;54.10%), while fewer rated patient safety as good or excellent (n=133;43.46%). Patients were most satisfied with doctors’ care (M=3.53;SD±0.50) and overall hospital care (M=8.27;SD±1.36). Strong correlations were found between the work environment and emotional exhaustion, compassion satisfaction, and job satisfaction, quality of care and patient safety.
CONCLUSIONS:
Nurses in Eswatini experience poor nurse outcomes, despite reporting generally positive levels of quality of care and patient safety. Improving the work environment is critical for enhancing nurse well-being, patient outcomes, quality of care, patient safety, and patient satisfaction.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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