Patient Experience of Inpatient Care: Insights From a Multicentered Study in Ghanaian Hospitals

<b>Background:</b> Patient experience is a key indicator of healthcare quality, influencing satisfaction, safety, and outcomes. In Ghana, limited research has examined inpatient experiences across diverse settings. This study explored patient experiences of inpatient care and examined how these experiences relate to patient characteristics in public hospitals. <b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional survey was conducted between July 2024 and February 2025 in 8 public hospitals across Ghana's Central, Western, Ashanti, and Northern Regions. A total of 1220 inpatients from medical and surgical wards were consecutively recruited. Patient experiences were assessed using the Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire-15 (PPE-15). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson and Spearman correlations, and multiple linear regression. <b>Results:</b> The mean experience score was 39.8 ± 11.2. Low ratings were reported for family involvement (31.8) and continuity of care (32.3), with over 65% citing poor emotional support and 58.1% dissatisfied with pain management. Experience scores correlated with satisfaction (<i>r</i> = 0.425) and hospital recommendation (<i>ρ</i> = 0.257). Higher age, education, and health status predicted better experiences; surgical admission, longer stays, and prior hospitalization predicted worse scores. <b>Conclusion:</b> Addressing communication gaps, emotional support, pain control, and family involvement is essential for improving patient experiences in Ghanaian hospitals.