Evaluation of Anxiety Levels and Perception of Nursing Care for Patients Attending the Emergency Service

Abstract Objectives The aim of the study is to measure the anxiety levels of patients attending the emergency service and to research how anxiety impacts their perceptions of nursing care. Methods The research was completed from 05.02.2021 to 03.07.2021 in a university hospital offering tertiary health services with participation of 360 patients attending the emergency service and accepting participation in the study. Data were collected using the descriptive information form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Patient Perception of Hospital Experience with Nursing (PPHEN). Results When linear regression analysis, applied with the aim of determining the effect of the anxiety levels of patients attending emergency service on their perception of nursing care, is investigated, state anxiety level negatively impacted the scale points for the perception of nursing care. As state anxiety scores increased, the level of being satisfied with nursing care reduced (r=-0.200; p < 0.001). Additionally, it was determined that trait anxiety scores did not affect the level of perception of nursing care. Conclusions The anxiety level of patients during their emergency service visit negatively impacts their perceptions of care from nursing services.