Author ORCID Identifier
0009-0009-3055-5123
Abstract
Background: In rural India, nurses play a pivotal role as primary healthcare providers, due to limited physician availability. Their responsibilities often extend beyond routine care to include guiding patients in both modern and traditional healthcare approaches. However, there remains limited insight into how patients perceive this expanded role. This study aims to evaluate patients' perspectives on the role of nursing staff as primary healthcare providers in South Indian rural hospitals.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a three-month period in the rural and urban field practice areas of JSS Medical College. A total of 256 adult patients who had visited the hospital more than once, were surveyed using a pre-validated, semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26, with chi-square tests applied to assess associations between patient characteristics and satisfaction levels.
Results: Most patients (62.9%) recognized nurses as key contributors to their recovery, and 64.1% expressed satisfaction or high satisfaction with healthcare outcomes, following nursing care. However, gaps were reported in attentiveness (54.2% rated it neutral or poor), follow-up care (16.8% received it rarely or never), and communication of procedures (only 29.7% reported consistent explanation). Over 61% used traditional medicine alongside hospital treatment, yet only 35.1% felt supported by nurses in this integration. Significant associations were found between patient satisfaction and age, gender, and educational status (p < 0.05), with younger, male, and less-educated patients reporting greater satisfaction.
Conclusion: While nurses are recognized as crucial to recovery and rural care delivery, inconsistencies in communication, follow-up, and support for traditional medicine reveal critical areas for improvement. Strengthening nurse-training in culturally sensitive communication and integrative practices could enhance satisfaction and health outcomes in rural India.
Publication Date
2025
Publisher
JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research
Conflict of Interest
NO
Keywords
Nursing care, Traditional medicine, Alternative medicine, Healthcare satisfaction, Nurse-patient communication
Word Count
3000
Recommended Citation
Gaur K, Joy J, M R.
Evaluating The Role of Staff Nurses in Integrating Traditional and Alternative Medicine: Patients’ Perspectives From Rural Mysuru.
Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine.
2025;
7(3):
-.
doi:
https://doi.org/10.55691/2582-3868.1265
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