Abstract
Objective To understand the challenges and suggestions perceived by clinical patients experiencing psychological distress regarding the care provided by nursing staff in a general hospital. Methods Qualitative study involving 14 medical patients experiencing psychological distress in inpatient units. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed via content analysis. Results Two categories emerged: Perceived challenges in nursing care, namely: shortage of staff and difficulty in communication between patient and professional; and Suggestions to improve nursing care, namely: equity in care, nursing staff size, and mental health approach in undergraduate education. Conclusion It is important to give a voice to clinical patients experiencing psychological distress regarding the care provided to them by nursing staff, with the aim of assisting health facility managers in improving the care provided to these individuals.

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