Mind–Body Connection and Satisfaction: The Correlation Between Holistic Nursing Care and Patient Satisfaction in Patients With Advanced Cancer

Background Holistic care plays a pivotal role in the treatment of patients with advanced cancer, with patient satisfaction serving as a key indicator of healthcare quality. This study aimed to examine the relationship between patients’ perceptions of holistic nursing care and their overall satisfaction with the care received. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 among 98 patients with advanced cancer in the oncology department of Bahonar Hospital, Kerman. Participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the standardized Holistic Caring Inventory (HCI) and the Patient Satisfaction Instrument (PSI). Analyses were performed with SPSS software, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and linear regression. Results The mean score for patients’ perception of holistic care was 114.8 ± 19.3, while the mean satisfaction score was 62.7 ± 10.9. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between perceptions of holistic care and patient satisfaction (r = 0.22, p = 0.02). Moreover, patients with a history of hospitalization and more frequent admissions reported significantly higher perceptions of holistic care (p < 0.05). In terms of satisfaction, significant differences were found based on gender—with female patients reporting higher satisfaction (p = 0.04)—and marital status, with unmarried individuals reporting greater satisfaction (p = 0.04). No other demographic variables were significantly associated with satisfaction. Multivariate regression analysis did not identify any variable as a significant predictor of patient satisfaction. Conclusion Although patients with advanced cancer generally perceive holistic care positively, its impact on overall satisfaction is limited. This finding suggests that patient satisfaction is a multifaceted phenomenon shaped not only by the quality of direct care but also by systemic, organizational factors and the psychosocial burden of illness. To achieve substantial improvements in patient satisfaction, interventions should adopt a comprehensive and structural approach.