Patient and family complaints often highlight concerns missed by standard organization incident reporting. This metasynthesis identified four overarching themes: (1) problems with access to health care services; (2) failure to acquire information about diagnosis, treatment, and the expected patient role; (3) experiencing inappropriate care and bad treatment; (4) problems with trusting health care service providers. The breadth of settings, disciplines, and study populations suggests patient complaints can be a useful tool for improving physical and psychological safety for patients.