Examining the Association Between Nurses' Emotional Intelligence and Their Patient Satisfaction Scores in KSA : A Systematic Review

Abstract

Emotional intelligence (EI) has been recognized as a crucial factor influencing nurses' performance and patient satisfaction in healthcare settings. In Saudi Arabia, where the healthcare system is undergoing significant reforms under the Vision 2030 plan, understanding the relationship between nurses' EI and patient satisfaction is of particular importance for improving healthcare quality and patient outcomes. This systematic review aims to synthesize the evidence on the association between nurses' EI and patient satisfaction scores in Saudi Arabia, identifying key factors that influence this relationship and proposing recommendations for nursing practice, education, and research. A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science, was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2023. The search strategy employed a combination of keywords related to emotional intelligence, patient satisfaction, nursing, and Saudi Arabia. A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The findings reveal a consistent positive association between nurses' EI and patient satisfaction scores in various healthcare settings in Saudi Arabia, with higher levels of EI being associated with better patient experiences and outcomes. Key factors influencing this relationship include nurses' communication skills, empathy, cultural competence, and work environment. The review also identifies several challenges and opportunities for enhancing nurses' EI in Saudi Arabia, such as the need for EI training programs, supportive leadership, and interprofessional collaboration. The findings of this review have significant implications for nursing practice, education, and research in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the need for strategic initiatives to foster the development of emotionally intelligent nurses and create supportive work environments that promote patient-centered care and high-quality healthcare services.