Trauma patient perceptions of nursing care: relationships between ratings of interpersonal care, technical care, and global satisfaction.

Interpersonal care is positively associated with patient satisfaction; however, patients may not be able to appreciate their caregivers' technical skills. This cross-sectional telephone survey of trauma patients examined the relationships between patient perceptions of interpersonal care (PIC) and perceived technical care (PTC) and global satisfaction (GS). Structural equation modeling indicated a significant direct effect of PIC on PTC and PTC on GS. Fit indices showed the hypothesized paths significantly improved the model. Strong positive relationships exist between patients' PIC and PTC and GS. Patients unacquainted with technical aspects of health care may make judgments based on satisfaction with perceived interpersonal care.