individualised care, international, nurse, nursing, patient, perception, survey

The aim was to compare patients? and nurses? perceptions of individualised care in 5 EU countries. A cross-sectional comparative design was used. Data were collected from nurses (n = 960) and patients (n = 1315) in 71 surgical units from 26 acute hospitals (2009). Data were collected using two ICS and analysed descriptive and inferential statistics. Differences in patients? and nurses? assessments of individualised care were found between each country. Nurses assessed that they supported patient individuality more often. The Meann ranged from 3.61 (Greece)-4.31 (Hungary) and the Meanp ranged from 3.05 (Greece)-3.79 (Cyprus). To a large extent the care provided was individualised as defined by the Meann 3.75 (Greece)-4.36 (Hungary) and the Meanp 3.41 (Greece)-4.18 (Cyprus). In Cyprus and Finland, patients? assessed the individuality in their care corresponded well with nurses? assessments. Clear between-country differences in patients? and nurses? assessments were found in both subscales of the ICS.