Determinants of Patient Satisfaction with Nursing Care during Night Shifts:  A Literature Review

<ns5:p>Background Patient satisfaction is a key indicator of healthcare quality, and nursing care plays the biggest role in shaping it. While much is known about nursing care during the day, the night shift presents its own challenges, such as fewer staff and disruptions to normal sleep patterns, which can affect how patients perceive their care. Objective This review brings together current research on factors affecting patient satisfaction with nursing care at night and highlights key gaps in existing studies. Methods We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library for peer-reviewed studies published from 2016 to 2026. Using set criteria, we selected 35 studies and assessed them for quality and key findings. Results Nursing care at night shift still low in comparison in day shift, and within the context of healthcare systems, rates ranged from 67% to 80%. The most important nurse-related factors include late nurses’ response, communication, and professionalism. However, nurse fatigue, feelings of isolation, and fewer staff at night often are the major reason for these nursing related factors. On the other hand, changes to the environment, like quiet policies and better lighting, also helped improve patient experiences. Conclusion To deliver high-quality nursing care at night, hospitals must support both their staff and the work environment. There remains a lack of research, especially in the Middle East and regarding how clinical and social factors interact. This review recommends employing supportive care models, such as primary nursing, to ensure consistent, high-quality care during the night.</ns5:p>