Abstract
The aim of this study was to discern patterns in patients' dissatisfaction with hospital care. The content in eight articles were thus reviewed and analysed in order to get a deeper understanding of mechanisms underlying patient dissatisfaction. Data were coded and classified in terms of the concepts and categories arising from it. Patients were mainly dissatisfied with treatment by staff and the lack of information. They expressed feelings of being ignored and disbelieved. Furthermore, emotional support and consideration was deficient. The findings in this study point out the need of raising nurses' awareness of patient dissatisfaction in order to improve the care for patients in hospital. The study can also contribute to a better understanding of the patients' experiences during hospital care.