Evaluating the Influence of Nurse Navigators on Patient Satisfaction in High-Risk Pregnancies

Abstract

Objective: To assess the influence of nurse navigators on patient satisfaction and quality of care among women with high-risk pregnancies.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Shalamar Medical and Dental College Lahore on 80 high-risk pregnant patients from February 2024 to August 2024. Patient’s data were collected using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire covering demographic and clinical information, exposure to nurse navigators, perceived quality of care, and patient satisfaction across multiple domains. Responses were measured on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to assess overall satisfaction with nurse navigators.

Results: Overall patients mean age was 28.6 ± 5.91 years. Based on satisfaction domains there was a high rating, with 70% satisfied with test explanations, 80% with responsiveness to questions, 70% with communication, and over 75% reporting excellent teamwork, comfort, and respect. Additionally 55% felt well informed and involved in care decisions, while 95% valued navigators’ assistance in booking appointments and 85% acknowledged appropriate guidance about their condition as comparatively, before nurse navigators, only 20% rated care as excellent/very good, 20% as good, while 60% rated it fair or poor, demonstrating a clear improvement in quality of care and patient satisfaction. Overall satisfaction of patients with nurse navigators was found to be very high as among 85% rated their experience as excellent, while the remaining 15% rated it as good, reflecting a consistently positive perception of the nurse navigator services in the field of Obs & Gynae.

Conclusion: A significant role of nurse navigators observed in enhancing patient satisfaction among high risk pregnancies as patients reported high levels of satisfaction with the quality of communication, guidance, responsiveness, and coordination of care provided by nurse navigators, in the comparison to before the introduction of nurse navigators.