Factors affecting patient satisfaction with emergency department care: an Italian rural hospital.

Background: In the emergency department satisfaction is strictly linked to the role of the nurses, namely the first interface between patients and hospital services.

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to identify areas of emergency nursing activity associated with minor or major patient satisfaction.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2010 - May 2011, in the rural hospital of Orbetello, Tuscany (Italy).