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Le Lagadec MD, Dwyer T, Browne M. Indicators of patient deterioration in poorly resourced private hospitals: Which vital sign to watch? A retrospective case-control study. Aust Crit Care 2024; 37:461-467. [PMID: 37391286 DOI: 10.1016/j.aucc.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient vital signs are a measure of wellness if monitored regularly and accurately. Staff shortages in poorly resourced regional hospitals often result in inadequate patient monitoring, putting patients at risk of undetected deterioration. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the pattern and completeness of vital sign monitoring and the contribution of each vital sign in predicting clinical deterioration events in resource-poor regional/rural hospitals. METHOD Using a retrospective case-control study design, we compared 24 h of vital sign data from deteriorating and nondeteriorating patients from two poorly-resourced regional hospitals. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and analysis of variance are used to compare patient-monitoring frequency and completeness. The contribution of each vital sign in predicting patient deterioration was determined using the Area Under the Receiver Operator Characteristic curve and binary logistical regression analysis. RESULTS Deteriorating patients were monitored more frequently (9.58 [7.02] times) in the 24-h period than nondeteriorating patients (4.93 [2.66] times). However, the completeness of vital sign documentation was higher in nondeteriorating (85.2%) than in deteriorating patients (57.7%). Body temperature was the most frequently omitted vital sign. Patient deterioration was positively linked to the frequency of abnormal vital signs and the number of abnormal vital signs per set (Area Under the Receiver Operator Characteristic curve: 0.872 and 0.867, respectively). No single vital sign strongly predicts patient outcomes. However, a supplementary oxygen value of >3 L/min and a heart rate of >139 beats/min were the best predictors of patient deterioration. CONCLUSION Given the poor resourcing and often geographical remoteness of small regional hospitals, it is prudent that the nursing staff are made aware of the vital signs that best indicate deterioration for the cohort of patients in their care. Tachycardic patients on supplementary oxygen are at high risk of deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Danielle Le Lagadec
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences, Central Queensland, University, 6 University Dr, Branyan, Bundaberg, Queensland, 4670, Australia.
| | - Trudy Dwyer
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences, Central Queensland, University, 554-700 Yaamba Rd, Norman Gardens Rockhampton, Queensland, 4701, Australia.
| | - Matthew Browne
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences Central Queensland, University, 6 University Dr, Branyan, Bundaberg Queensland, 4670, Australia.
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Bruyneel A, Bouckaert N, Pirson M, Sermeus W, Van den Heede K. Unfinished nursing care in intensive care units and the mediating role of the association between nurse working environment, and quality of care and nurses' wellbeing. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2024; 81:103596. [PMID: 38043435 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2023.103596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Unfinished care refers to the situation in which nurses are forced to delay or omit necessary nursing care. The objectives was: 1) to measure the prevalence of unfinished nursing care in intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic; 2) to examine whether unfinished nursing care has a mediating role in the relationship between nurse working environment and nurse-perceived quality of care and risk of burnout among nurses. DESIGN A national cross-sectional survey. SETTING Seventy-five intensive care units in Belgium (December 2021 to February 2022). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index was used to measure the work environment. The perception of quality and safety of care was evaluated via a Likert-type scale. The risk of burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory scale. RESULTS A total of 2,183 nurse responses were included (response rate of 47.8%). Seventy-six percent of nurses reported at least one unfinished nursing care activity during their last shift. The staffing and resource adequacy subdimension of the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index had the strongest correlation with unfinished nursing care. An increase in unfinished nursing care led to significantly lower perceived quality and safety of care and an increase in high risk of burnout. Unfinished nursing care appears to be a mediating factor for the association between staffing and resource adequacy and the quality and safety of care perceived by nurses and risk of burnout. CONCLUSIONS Unfinished nursing care, which is highly related to staffing and resource adequacy, is associated with increased odds of nurses being at risk of burnout and reporting a lower level of perceived quality of care. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE The monitoring of unfinished nursing care in the intensive care unit is an important early indicator of problems related to adequate staffing levels, the well-being of nurses, and the perceived quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Bruyneel
- Health Economics, Hospital Management and Nursing Research Dept, School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.
| | | | - Magali Pirson
- Health Economics, Hospital Management and Nursing Research Dept, School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Walter Sermeus
- KU Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Van den Heede
- Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre (KCE), Brussels, Belgium; KU Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, Leuven, Belgium
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Briggs J, Kostakis I, Meredith P, Dall'ora C, Darbyshire J, Gerry S, Griffiths P, Hope J, Jones J, Kovacs C, Lawrence R, Prytherch D, Watkinson P, Redfern O. Safer and more efficient vital signs monitoring protocols to identify the deteriorating patients in the general hospital ward: an observational study. Health Soc Care Deliv Res 2024; 12:1-143. [PMID: 38551079 DOI: 10.3310/hytr4612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Background The frequency at which patients should have their vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation) measured on hospital wards is currently unknown. Current National Health Service monitoring protocols are based on expert opinion but supported by little empirical evidence. The challenge is finding the balance between insufficient monitoring (risking missing early signs of deterioration and delays in treatment) and over-observation of stable patients (wasting resources needed in other aspects of care). Objective Provide an evidence-based approach to creating monitoring protocols based on a patient's risk of deterioration and link these to nursing workload and economic impact. Design Our study consisted of two parts: (1) an observational study of nursing staff to ascertain the time to perform vital sign observations; and (2) a retrospective study of historic data on patient admissions exploring the relationships between National Early Warning Score and risk of outcome over time. These were underpinned by opinions and experiences from stakeholders. Setting and participants Observational study: observed nursing staff on 16 randomly selected adult general wards at four acute National Health Service hospitals. Retrospective study: extracted, linked and analysed routinely collected data from two large National Health Service acute trusts; data from over 400,000 patient admissions and 9,000,000 vital sign observations. Results Observational study found a variety of practices, with two hospitals having registered nurses take the majority of vital sign observations and two favouring healthcare assistants or student nurses. However, whoever took the observations spent roughly the same length of time. The average was 5:01 minutes per observation over a 'round', including time to locate and prepare the equipment and travel to the patient area. Retrospective study created survival models predicting the risk of outcomes over time since the patient was last observed. For low-risk patients, there was little difference in risk between 4 hours and 24 hours post observation. Conclusions We explored several different scenarios with our stakeholders (clinicians and patients), based on how 'risk' could be managed in different ways. Vital sign observations are often done more frequently than necessary from a bald assessment of the patient's risk, and we show that a maximum threshold of risk could theoretically be achieved with less resource. Existing resources could therefore be redeployed within a changed protocol to achieve better outcomes for some patients without compromising the safety of the rest. Our work supports the approach of the current monitoring protocol, whereby patients' National Early Warning Score 2 guides observation frequency. Existing practice is to observe higher-risk patients more frequently and our findings have shown that this is objectively justified. It is worth noting that important nurse-patient interactions take place during vital sign monitoring and should not be eliminated under new monitoring processes. Our study contributes to the existing evidence on how vital sign observations should be scheduled. However, ultimately, it is for the relevant professionals to decide how our work should be used. Study registration This study is registered as ISRCTN10863045. Funding This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme (NIHR award ref: 17/05/03) and is published in full in Health and Social Care Delivery Research; Vol. 12, No. 6. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Briggs
- Centre for Healthcare Modelling and Informatics, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Ina Kostakis
- Centre for Healthcare Modelling and Informatics, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Paul Meredith
- Research Department, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | | | - Julie Darbyshire
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stephen Gerry
- Centre for Statistics in Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Jo Hope
- Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jeremy Jones
- Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Caroline Kovacs
- Centre for Healthcare Modelling and Informatics, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | | | - David Prytherch
- Centre for Healthcare Modelling and Informatics, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Peter Watkinson
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Oliver Redfern
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Tavares AI. Treatable mortality and health care related factors across European countries. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1301825. [PMID: 38435289 PMCID: PMC10904533 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1301825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite the improvements in European health systems, a large number of premature deaths are attributable to treatable mortality. Men make up the majority of these deaths, with a significant gap existing between women and men's treatable mortality rate in the EU. Aim This study aims to identify the healthcare-related factors, including health expenditures, human and physical resources, and hospital services use associated with treatable mortality in women and men across European countries during the period 2011-2019. Methods We use Eurostat data for 28 EU countries in the period 2011-2019. We estimate a panel data linear regression with country fixed effects and quantile linear regression for men and women. Results The results found (i) differences in drivers for male and female treatable mortality, but common drivers hold the same direction for both sexes; (ii) favorable drivers are GDP per capita, health expenditures, number of physicians per capita, and (only for men) the average length of a hospital stay, (iii) unfavorable drivers are nurses and beds per capita, although nurses are not significant for explaining female mortality. Conclusion Policy recommendations may arise that involve an improvement in hospital bed management and the design of more specific policies aimed at healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Isabel Tavares
- CEISUC - Centre for Health Studies and Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- ISEG, UL - Lisbon School of Economics and Management, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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Cho DD, Bretthauer KM, Schoenfelder J. Patient-to-nurse ratios: Balancing quality, nurse turnover, and cost. Health Care Manag Sci 2023; 26:807-826. [PMID: 38019329 DOI: 10.1007/s10729-023-09659-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
We consider the problem of setting appropriate patient-to-nurse ratios in a hospital, an issue that is both complex and widely debated. There has been only limited effort to take advantage of the extensive empirical results from the medical literature to help construct analytical decision models for developing upper limits on patient-to-nurse ratios that are more patient- and nurse-oriented. For example, empirical studies have shown that each additional patient assigned per nurse in a hospital is associated with increases in mortality rates, length-of-stay, and nurse burnout. Failure to consider these effects leads to disregarded potential cost savings resulting from providing higher quality of care and fewer nurse turnovers. Thus, we present a nurse staffing model that incorporates patient length-of-stay, nurse turnover, and costs related to patient-to-nurse ratios. We present results based on data collected from three participating hospitals, the American Hospital Association (AHA), and the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD). By incorporating patient and nurse outcomes, we show that lower patient-to-nurse ratios can potentially provide hospitals with financial benefits in addition to improving the quality of care. Furthermore, our results show that higher policy patient-to-nurse ratio upper limits may not be as harmful in smaller hospitals, but lower policy patient-to-nurse ratios may be necessary for larger hospitals. These results suggest that a "one ratio fits all" patient-to-nurse ratio is not optimal. A preferable policy would be to allow the ratio to be hospital-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- David D Cho
- Department of Management, College of Business and Economics, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, 92831, USA.
| | - Kurt M Bretthauer
- Operations and Decision Technologies Department, Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Jan Schoenfelder
- Health Care Operations / Health Information Management, University of Augsburg, 86159, Augsburg, Germany
- School of Management, Lancaster University Leipzig, 04109, Leipzig, Germany
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Castro-Avila A, Merino-Osorio C, González-Seguel F, Camus-Molina A, Muñoz-Muñoz F, Leppe J. Six-month post-intensive care outcomes during high and low bed occupancy due to the COVID-19 pandemic: A multicenter prospective cohort study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294631. [PMID: 37972091 PMCID: PMC10653414 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic can be seen as a natural experiment to test how bed occupancy affects post-intensive care unit (ICU) patient's functional outcomes. To compare by bed occupancy the frequency of mental, physical, and cognitive impairments in patients admitted to ICU during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Prospective cohort of adults mechanically ventilated >48 hours in 19 ICUs from seven Chilean public and private hospitals. Ninety percent of nationwide beds occupied was the cut-off for low versus high bed occupancy. At ICU discharge, 3- and 6-month follow-up, we assessed disability using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0. Quality of life, mental, physical, and cognitive outcomes were also evaluated following the core outcome set for acute respiratory failure. RESULTS We enrolled 252 participants, 103 (41%) during low and 149 (59%) during high bed occupancy. Patients treated during high occupancy were younger (P50 [P25-P75]: 55 [44-63] vs 61 [51-71]; p<0.001), more likely to be admitted due to COVID-19 (126 [85%] vs 65 [63%]; p<0.001), and have higher education qualification (94 [63%] vs 48 [47%]; p = 0.03). No differences were found in the frequency of at least one mental, physical or cognitive impairment by bed occupancy at ICU discharge (low vs high: 93% vs 91%; p = 0.6), 3-month (74% vs 63%; p = 0.2) and 6-month (57% vs 57%; p = 0.9) follow-up. CONCLUSIONS There were no differences in post-ICU outcomes between high and low bed occupancy. Most patients (>90%) had at least one mental, physical or cognitive impairment at ICU discharge, which remained high at 6-month follow-up (57%). CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04979897 (clinicaltrials.gov).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Castro-Avila
- Carrera de Kinesiología, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Heslington, United Kingdom
| | - Catalina Merino-Osorio
- Carrera de Kinesiología, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe González-Seguel
- Carrera de Kinesiología, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
- Servicio de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Agustín Camus-Molina
- Carrera de Kinesiología, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
- Servicio de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Jaime Leppe
- Carrera de Kinesiología, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Lamont
- Health Services Research UK
- THIS Institute, University of Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Kieran Walshe
- Health Services Research UK
- University of Manchester, UK
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Rubbo B, Saville C, Dall'Ora C, Turner L, Jones J, Ball J, Culliford D, Griffiths P. Staffing levels and hospital mortality in England: a national panel study using routinely collected data. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066702. [PMID: 37197808 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Examine the association between multiple clinical staff levels and case-mix adjusted patient mortality in English hospitals. Most studies investigating the association between hospital staffing levels and mortality have focused on single professional groups, in particular nursing. However, single staff group studies might overestimate effects or neglect important contributions to patient safety from other staff groups. DESIGN Retrospective observational study of routinely available data. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS 138 National Health Service hospital trusts that provided general acute adult services in England between 2015 and 2019. OUTCOME MEASURE Standardised mortality rates were derived from the Summary Hospital level Mortality Indicator data set, with observed deaths as outcome in our models and expected deaths as offset. Staffing levels were calculated as the ratio of occupied beds per staff group. We developed negative binomial random-effects models with trust as random effects. RESULTS Hospitals with lower levels of medical and allied healthcare professional (AHP) staff (e.g, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, radiography, speech and language therapy) had significantly higher mortality rates (rate ratio: 1.04, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.06, and 1.04, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.06, respectively), while those with lower support staff had lower mortality rates (0.85, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.91 for nurse support, and 1.00, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.00 for AHP support). Estimates of the association between staffing levels and mortality were stronger between-hospitals than within-hospitals, which were not statistically significant in a within-between random effects model. CONCLUSIONS In additional to medicine and nursing, AHP staffing levels may influence hospital mortality rates. Considering multiple staff groups simultaneously when examining the association between hospital mortality and clinical staffing levels is crucial. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04374812.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Rubbo
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Christina Saville
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration (Wessex), University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Chiara Dall'Ora
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration (Wessex), University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Lesley Turner
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Jeremy Jones
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Jane Ball
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - David Culliford
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration (Wessex), University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Peter Griffiths
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration (Wessex), University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Dall'Ora C, Rubbo B, Saville C, Turner L, Ball J, Ball C, Griffiths P. The association between multi-disciplinary staffing levels and mortality in acute hospitals: a systematic review. Hum Resour Health 2023; 21:30. [PMID: 37081525 PMCID: PMC10116759 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-023-00817-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Health systems worldwide are faced with the challenge of adequately staffing their hospital services. Much of the current research and subsequent policy has been focusing on nurse staffing and minimum ratios to ensure quality and safety of patient care. Nonetheless, nurses are not the only profession who interact with patients, and, therefore, not the only professional group who has the potential to influence the outcomes of patients while in hospital. We aimed to synthesise the evidence on the relationship between multi-disciplinary staffing levels in hospital including nursing, medical and allied health professionals and the risk of death. METHODS Systematic review. We searched Embase, Medline, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library for quantitative or mixed methods studies with a quantitative component exploring the association between multi-disciplinary hospital staffing levels and mortality. RESULTS We included 12 studies. Hospitals with more physicians and registered nurses had lower mortality rates. Higher levels of nursing assistants were associated with higher patient mortality. Only two studies included other health professionals, providing scant evidence about their effect. CONCLUSIONS Pathways for allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, pharmacists, to impact safety and other patient outcomes are plausible and should be explored in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Dall'Ora
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| | - Bruna Rubbo
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Christina Saville
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Lesley Turner
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Jane Ball
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Cheska Ball
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Dorchester, UK
| | - Peter Griffiths
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Griffiths P, Dall'Ora C. Nurse staffing and patient safety in acute hospitals: Cassandra calls again? BMJ Qual Saf 2022; 32:241-243. [PMID: 36597996 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2022-015578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Griffiths
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (Wessex), University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Chiara Dall'Ora
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (Wessex), University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
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Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses. Standards for Professional Registered Nurse Staffing for Perinatal Units. Nurs Womens Health 2022; 26:e1-e94. [PMID: 35750618 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Blackman I, Shifaza F, Mc Neil L, Willis E, Verrall C, Henderson J. The presence of missed care: a staff development response. J Nurs Manag 2022; 30:3568-3577. [PMID: 35705193 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study quantifies the types and frequencies of missed care identified by nurses and measures its impact on their capacity to demonstrate mandatory practice standards as future hospital staff. BACKGROUND Considerable literature exists as to the nature of missed care but there is a paucity of findings about how missed care impacts on learning firstly as a student and then as a graduate nurse employed in a hospital setting. Additionally, there is little emphasis as to how staff development for nurses exposed to missed care may be implemented METHODS: A non-experimental research design using self-audit data was selected to collect information about the types and frequencies of missed care from nurses engaging in clinical experience. A convenience sample of 471 nursing students completing their undergraduate nursing degree program. A multi-variate statistical approach was used to apply and then model the consensus scores of undergraduate nurses' beliefs about the frequency of missed care. Implications for their developing competence in critical thinking, therapeutic communication and maintaining capacity for professional practice has been considered. RESULTS Eight variables directly affect student's total scores underpinning their understanding of missed care and their ability to meet professional standards of practice, given their exposure to care omission. These factors reflect differing nurse attributes, the nature of the clinical venues and shift times, preceptor type, student satisfaction with work teams and staffing adequacy. CONCLUSIONS Modeling outcomes suggest possible changes to hospital staff development learning program content, learning processes and how it may be better delivered through to minimise episodes of missed care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Blackman
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Fathimath Shifaza
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Liz Mc Neil
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Eileen Willis
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Claire Verrall
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Julie Henderson
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia
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Chiappinotto S, Papastavrou E, Efstathiou G, Andreou P, Stemmer R, Ströhm C, Schubert M, de Wolf-Linder S, Longhini J, Palese A. Antecedents of unfinished nursing care: a systematic review of the literature. BMC Nurs 2022; 21:137. [PMID: 35698217 PMCID: PMC9195215 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-022-00890-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unfinished Nursing Care (UNC) concept, that express the condition when nurses are forced to delay or omit required nursing care, has been largely investigated as tasks left undone, missed care, and implicit rationing of nursing care. However, no summary of the available evidence regarding UNC antecedents has been published. The aim of this study is to identify and summarise antecedents of UNC as documented in primary studies to date. METHODS A systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was conducted. MEDLINE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and PROSPERO databases were searched for quantitative studies reporting the relationships between antecedents and UNC published after 2004 up to 21 January 2020. The reference lists of secondary studies have been scrutinised to identify additional studies. Two reviewers independently identified studies and evaluated them for their eligibility and disagreements were resolved by the research team. The quality appraisal was based on the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools, according to the study designs. A data extraction grid was piloted and then used to extract data. The antecedents that emerged were thematically categorised with an inductive approach. RESULTS Fifty-eight studies were included; among them, 54 were cross-sectional, three were cohort studies, and one was a quasi-experimental study. They were conducted mainly in the United States and in hospital settings. The UNC antecedents have been investigated to date at the (a) unit (e.g., workloads, non-nursing tasks), (b) nurse (e.g., age, gender), and (c) patient levels (clinical instability). CONCLUSIONS At the unit level, it is highly recommended to provide an adequate staff level, strategies to deal with unpredictable workloads, and to promote good practice environments to reduce or minimise UNC. By contrast, at the nurse and patient levels, there were no clear trends regarding modifiable factors that could decrease the occurrence of UNC. The map of antecedents that emerged can be used to design interventional studies aimed at changing research from merely descriptive to that which evaluates the effectiveness of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evridiki Papastavrou
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Georgios Efstathiou
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus.,Nursing Services, Ministry of Health, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | | | | | - Maria Schubert
- School of Health Professions, Zurich University of Applied Science, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Susanne de Wolf-Linder
- School of Health Professions, Zurich University of Applied Science, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Longhini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Alvisa Palese
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Udine, Udine, Italy.
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15
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Noë B, Bullock A, Frankish J, Turner LD. Temporal patterns in vital sign recording within and across general hospital wards. Resusc Plus 2022; 10:100247. [PMID: 35620181 PMCID: PMC9127396 DOI: 10.1016/j.resplu.2022.100247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The use of mobile devices on hospital wards to record patient vital signs and Early Warning Scores provides opportunity for secondary analysis of the data collected. This research investigated how such analysis can contribute to the understanding of the complexities of managing clinical care in hospital environments. Methods The influence of ward type and the distribution of patient observation intervals was evaluated in relation to the timing of vital signs observation patterns in data collected from eight adult in-patient wards over a 12-month period. Actual and projected observation times were compared across patients with higher and lower National Early Warning Scores (NEWS). Results Both ward type and the distribution of patient observation intervals were significant predictors of temporal observation patterns. Observation patterns showed evidence of grouping of observation recordings. This was, however, not found for observations of patients with higher NEWS scores (3 or more). Conclusions Secondary analysis of vital signs observation data can reveal insights into how ward operate. The patterns of observation recordings within a ward are a reflection of ward type and the distribution of patient observation intervals. The grouping of observation recordings of patients with low NEWS (<3) result in late or early observations to fit activity peaks characteristic of the ward culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beryl Noë
- School of Computer Science and Informatics, Cardiff University, UK
- Corresponding author.
| | - Alison Bullock
- Cardiff Unit for Research and Evaluation in Medical and Dental Education, School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, UK
| | - John Frankish
- Informatics Directorate, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, UK
| | - Liam D. Turner
- School of Computer Science and Informatics, Cardiff University, UK
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16
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Burke C, Conway Y. Factors that influence hospital nurses' escalation of patient care in response to their early warning score: A qualitative evidence synthesis. J Clin Nurs 2022; 32:1885-1934. [PMID: 35338540 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Early Warning Score (EWS) is a validated tool that has improved patient outcomes internationally. This scoring system is used within the hospital setting to identify potentially deteriorating patients, thus expediting referral to appropriate medical personnel. It is increasingly recognised that there are other influencing factors along with EWS, which impact on nurses' decisions to escalate care. AIM The aim of this review was to identify and synthesise data from qualitative studies, which examined factors influencing nurses' escalation of care in response to patients' EWS. METHODS The systematic search strategy and eligibility criteria were guided by the SPIDER (Sample Phenomenon of Interest Design Evaluation Type of Research) framework. Eleven databases and five grey literature databases were searched. Titles and abstracts were independently screened in line with pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria using the cloud-based platform, Rayyan. The selected studies underwent quality appraisal using CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme, 2017, https://www.casp-uk.net/casp-toolschecklists) and subsequently synthesised using Thomas and Harden's thematic analysis approach. GRADE-CERQual (Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) was used to assess confidence in results. The EQUATOR listed guideline ENTREQ (Tong et al., 2012, BMC Medical Research Methodology, 12) was used to synthesise and report findings. RESULTS Eighteen studies from seven countries including 235 nurses were identified. Following synthesis, four analytical themes were generated with eighteen derived consequent findings. The four themes identified were as follows: 1) Marrying nurses' clinical judgement with EWS 2) SMART communication 3) EWS Protocol: Blessing and a Curse 5) Hospital Domain. CONCLUSION Nurses strive to find balance by simultaneously navigating within the boundaries of both the EWS protocol and the hospital domain. They view the EWS as a valid essential component in the system but one that does not give a definitive answer and absolute direction. They value the protocols' ability to identify deteriorating patients and convey the seriousness of a situation to their multidisciplinary colleagues but also find it somewhat restrictive and frustrating and wish to have credence given to their own intuition and clinical judgement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Burke
- St Johns Hospital Urgent Care Center St Johns Hospital St Johns Square, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Yvonne Conway
- Department of Nursing, Health Sciences and Integrated Care, Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, Galway, Ireland
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17
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Hirose N, Morita K, Matsui H, Fushimi K, Yasunaga H. Association between nurse aide staffing and patient mortality after major cancer surgeries in acute care settings: A retrospective cohort study. Nurs Health Sci 2022; 24:283-292. [PMID: 35080800 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the association between adding nurse aides and patient mortality in acute care settings. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a national healthcare administrative claims database. We identified patients who underwent planned surgery for six types of cancer from 2010 to 2017. Multivariable logistic analyses were used to examine the association between the nurse aide staffing level and patient outcomes. The primary outcomes were failure to rescue and 30-day hospital mortality. We examined 330 666 in-hospital patients. The median number of nurse aides per 100 occupied beds was 6.60 (interquartile range, 4.61-8.43). In the multivariable analysis, nurse aide staffing level was not significantly associated with failure to rescue or 30-day hospital mortality. The Japanese government provides economic incentives to hospitals that hire more nurse aides, expecting that a higher nurse aide staffing level will help licensed nurses concentrate on the tasks that need their specialties. However, our findings suggest that adding nurse aides may not be associated with lower rates of failure to rescue or 30-day hospital mortality in acute care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Hirose
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Global Health Nursing, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kojiro Morita
- Global Nursing Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Matsui
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyohide Fushimi
- Department of Health Policy and Informatics, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideo Yasunaga
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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18
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Rice Simpson
- Dr. Kathleen Rice Simpson is a Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist in St. Louis, MO, and the Editor-in-Chief of MCN . Dr. Simpson can be reached via email at
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Wieczorek-Wójcik B, Gaworska-Krzemińska A, Szynkiewicz P, Wójcik M, Orzechowska M, Kilańska D. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Improving Nurses' Education Level in the Context of In-Hospital Mortality. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:996. [PMID: 35055820 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: an assessment of the cost-effectiveness of employing an increased number of nurses with higher education from the perspective of the service provider. (2) Methods: Based on a year-long study results and data collected from a large hospital, we conducted of the costs of preventing one death. The study involved intervention by 10% increase in the percentage of nursing care hours provided by nurses with higher education. The measure of health effects was the cost of avoiding one death (CER). The cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) was used as the evaluation method. (3) Results: The cost of employing a larger percentage of nurses with higher education amounts to a total of amounts to a USD 11,730.62 an increase of 3.02% as compared to the base costs. The estimated number of deaths that could be prevented was 44 deaths. Mortality per 1000 patient days was 9.42, mortality after intervention was 8.41. The cost of preventing one death by the 10% increase in BSN/MSN NCH percentage in non-surgical wards USD 263.92. (4) Conclusions: increasing the percentage of care hours provided by nurses with tertiary education is a cost-effective method of reducing in-hospital mortality.
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20
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Gawronski O, Ferro F, Cecchetti C, Ciofi Degli Atti M, Dall'Oglio I, Tiozzo E, Raponi M. Adherence to the bedside paediatric early warning system (BedsidePEWS) in a pediatric tertiary care hospital. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:852. [PMID: 34419038 PMCID: PMC8380378 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06809-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study is to describe the adherence to the Bedside Pediatric Early Warning System (BedsidePEWS) escalation protocol in children admitted to hospital wards in a large tertiary care children’s hospital in Italy. Methods This is a retrospective observational chart review. Data on the frequency and accuracy of BedsidePEWS score calculations, escalation of patient observations, monitoring and medical reviews were recorded. Two research nurses performed weekly visits to the hospital wards to collect data on BedsidePEWS scores, medical reviews, type of monitoring and vital signs recorded. Data were described through means or medians according to the distribution. Inferences were calculated either with Chi-square, Student’s t test or Wilcoxon-Mann–Whitney test, as appropriate (P < 0.05 considered as significant). Results A total of 522 Vital Signs (VS) and score calculations [BedsidePEWS documentation events, (DE)] on 177 patient clinical records were observed from 13 hospital inpatient wards. Frequency of BedsidePEWS DE occurred < 3 times per day in 33 % of the observations. Adherence to the BedsidePEWS documentation frequency according to the hospital protocol was observed in 54 % of all patients; in children with chronic health conditions (CHC) it was significantly lower than children admitted for acute medical conditions (47 % vs. 69 %, P = 0.006). The BedsidePEWS score was correctly calculated and documented in 84 % of the BedsidePEWS DE. Patients in a 0–2 BedsidePEWS score range were all reviewed at least once a day by a physician. Only 50 % of the patients in the 5–6 score range were reviewed within 4 h and 42 % of the patients with a score ≥ 7 within 2 h. Conclusions Escalation of patient observations, monitoring and medical reviews matching the BedsidePEWS is still suboptimal. Children with CHC are at higher risk of lower compliance. Impact of adherence to predefined response algorithms on patient outcomes should be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orsola Gawronski
- Professional Development, Continuing Education and Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, P.zza S. Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy.
| | - Federico Ferro
- Professional Development, Continuing Education and Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, P.zza S. Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Corrado Cecchetti
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Emergency, Acceptance and General Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, P.zza S. Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Ciofi Degli Atti
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, P.zza S. Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Immacolata Dall'Oglio
- Professional Development, Continuing Education and Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, P.zza S. Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Tiozzo
- Professional Development, Continuing Education and Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, P.zza S. Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Raponi
- Medical Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, P.zza S. Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
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21
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Ball JE, Griffiths P. Consensus Development Project (CDP): An overview of staffing for safe and effective nursing care. Nurs Open 2021; 9:872-879. [PMID: 34275213 PMCID: PMC8859068 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We present an overview of the research evidence on nurse staffing levels in acute hospitals, and how it has been applied to policy and practice, focussing primarily on the UK. Drawing on research reviews and examples of specific studies, we outline the current state of knowledge. Much of the evidence comes from cross-sectional studies. More recently, longitudinal studies allow a causal link between staffing and outcomes to be inferred. Lack of specificity on staffing levels has hindered application of research findings to practice; research rarely specifies how many nurses are needed for safe and effective care. The most significant impediment to achieving safe staffing has been an underestimation of the number of RNs needed and overestimation of the potential for substitution, resulting in low baseline staffing and a national shortage of RNs. Repeatedly, new staffing solutions are sought rather than tackle the problem of too few RNs head-on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E. Ball
- School of Health SciencesUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK,National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration (Wessex)SouthamptonUK
| | - Peter Griffiths
- School of Health SciencesUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK,National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration (Wessex)SouthamptonUK
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22
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Peet J, Theobald KA, Douglas C. Building safety cultures at the frontline: An emancipatory Practice Development approach for strengthening nursing surveillance on an acute care ward. J Clin Nurs 2021; 31:642-656. [PMID: 34137088 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate an emancipatory Practice Development approach for strengthening nursing surveillance on a single medical-surgical ward. BACKGROUND Registered nurses keep patients safe in acute care settings through the complex process of nursing surveillance. Our interest was understanding how frontline teams can build safety cultures that enable proactive nursing surveillance in acute care wards. DESIGN A year-long emancipatory Practice Development project. METHODS A collaborative relationship was established around a shared interest of nursing surveillance capacity and researcher embedded on a medical-surgical ward. Critical analysis of workplace observations and reflection with staff generated key sites for collective action. Ward engagement was supported by creative Practice Development methods including holistic facilitation, critical reflection and action learning. An action learning set was established with a group of clinical nurses, facilitating practitioner-led change initiatives which strengthened nursing surveillance and workplace learning. Evaluation supported an iterative approach, building on what worked in an acute care context. Immersive researcher evaluation, drawing on multiple data sources, generated an analysis of how ward nursing surveillance capacity can be strengthened. COREQ criteria guided reporting. RESULTS The ward moved through a turbulent and transformative process of resistance and retreat towards a new learning culture where nursing surveillance was visible and valued. Staff developed and sustained innovations including the 'My MET Call series', a 'Shared GCS initiative', an enhanced 'Team Safety Huddle', and staff-led Practice Development workshops. These new practices affirmed nurses' agency, asserted nurses' clinical knowledge, positioned nurses to participate in team decision-making and humanised care. CONCLUSION Working collaboratively with frontline staff enabled bottom-up sustainable innovation to strengthen nursing surveillance capacity where it mattered most, at the point of care. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Emancipatory Practice Development enables the profound impact of small-scale, microsystem level practice transformation. It is an accessible methodology for clinical teams to develop effective workplace cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Peet
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Karen A Theobald
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Clint Douglas
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Herston, QLD, Australia
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23
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Tonkikh O, Zisberg A, Shadmi E. The role of nurse staffing in the performance of function-preserving processes during acute hospitalization: A cross-sectional study. Int J Nurs Stud 2021; 121:103999. [PMID: 34242978 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2021.103999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Performance of function-preserving hospitalization processes related to patient mobility, use of continence aids and food intake is significantly associated with outcomes in older adults. Nurses are the front-line personnel responsible for promoting performance of such processes. The degree to which nurse staffing is related to this performance is unclear. OBJECTIVE To identify nurse-staffing characteristics and nursing-related care needs associated with older patients' mobility, continence care and food intake during acute hospitalization. DESIGN Cross-sectional study using survey data from the Hospitalization Process Effects on Functional Outcomes and Recovery (HoPE-FOR) cohort study combined with day-level administrative nurse staffing data and clinical day-level aggregated data for all patients hospitalized during the HoPE-FOR study period. SETTING Internal medicine units in two medical centers in Israel. PARTICIPANTS Eight hundred seventy-three older adults. METHODS Mobility, continence care and food intake were assessed within 2 days of admission using validated questionnaires. Nurse-to-patient ratios and nursing-skill mix (i.e. registered nurses (RNs), nurse aides, nurses with advanced clinical training and RNs with an academic degree) were assessed using administrative data. Decision trees were developed for mobility, continence care and food intake, applying classification and regression-tree analysis. RESULTS The mobility decision tree identified three characteristics subdividing patients into six nodes: pre-admission functioning, pre-admission activity level and percentage of nurses with advanced training. The percentage of nurses with advanced training classified low-functioning patients into those walking in corridors versus walking or sitting only inside the room. The continence-care classification decision tree identified two characteristics that subdivided the patients into four nodes: pre-admission functioning and bladder control. Nurse-to-patient-ratio variables and patients' nursing-related care needs did not contribute to this classification. The food-intake decision tree identified four characteristics-pre-admission functioning, gender, percentage of nurses with advanced training and percentage of nurse aides-subdividing patients into eight nodes. Low-functioning patients exposed to a higher percentage of nurses with advanced training had food-intake scores 14% higher than patients exposed to a lower percentage of nurses with advanced training. Independent men exposed to a higher percentage of nurse aides had a 14% higher habitual daily in-hospital food-intake score than independent men exposed to a lower percentage of nurse aides. CONCLUSIONS A higher percentage of nurses with post-graduate education is associated with better performance of mobility and food intake of hospitalized older adults. To maintain the potential benefits of highly trained staff, education levels should be considered in scheduling and assignment decision-making processes in internal medicine units. Tweetable abstract: A higher percentage of nurses with post-graduate education is associated with better mobility and food intake of hospitalized older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orly Tonkikh
- The Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 3498838, Israel.
| | - Anna Zisberg
- The Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 3498838, Israel.
| | - Efrat Shadmi
- The Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa 3498838, Israel.
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24
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Simpson KR, Lyndon A, Spetz J, Gay CL, Landstrom GL. Missed Nursing Care During Labor and Birth and Exclusive Breast Milk Feeding During Hospitalization for Childbirth. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs 2020; 45:280-8. [PMID: 32496351 DOI: 10.1097/NMC.0000000000000644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine associations between missed nursing care and nurse staffing during labor and birth, and exclusive breast milk feeding at hospital discharge. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Labor and birth nurses in three states were surveyed about missed nursing care and their maternity units' adherence to the AWHONN (2010) nurse staffing guidelines for care during labor and birth, using the Perinatal Misscare Survey. Nursing responses were aggregated to the hospital level and estimated associations between missed nursing care, nurse staffing, and hospitals' exclusive breast milk feeding rates were measured using The Joint Commission's Perinatal Care Measure (PC-05). RESULTS Surveys from 512 labor nurses in 36 hospitals were included in the analysis. The mean exclusive breast milk feeding rate was 53% (range 13%-76%). Skin-to-skin care, breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth, and appropriate recovery care were on average occasionally missed (2.33 to 2.46 out of 4; 1 = rarely, 2 = occasionally, 3 = frequently, or 4 = always) and were associated with PC-05 [B(CI) -17.1(-29, -6.3), -17.9(-30.5, -6.2), and -15.4(-28.7, -2.1), respectively]. Adherence with overall staffing guidelines was associated with PC-05 [12.9(3.4, 24.3)]. Missed nursing care was an independent predictor of PC-05 [-14.6(-26.4, -2.7)] in a multilevel model adjusting for staffing guideline adherence, perceived quality, mean age of respondents, and nurse burnout. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Exclusive breast milk feeding is a national quality indicator of inpatient maternity care. Nurses have substantial responsibility for direct support of infant feeding during the childbirth hospitalization. These results support exclusive breast milk feeding (PC-05) as a nurse-sensitive quality indicator.
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25
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Twigg DE, Whitehead L, Doleman G, El-Zaemey S. The impact of nurse staffing methodologies on nurse and patient outcomes: A systematic review. J Adv Nurs 2021; 77:4599-4611. [PMID: 34081369 PMCID: PMC9291075 DOI: 10.1111/jan.14909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Aim Aim of this study is to systematically review and synthesize available evidence to identify the association between nurse staffing methodologies and nurse and patient outcomes. Design Systematic review and narrative synthesis. Data sources A search of MEDLINE (EBSCO), CINAHL (EBSCO) and Web of Science was conducted for studies published in English between January 2000 and January 2020. Review methods The reporting of this review and narrative synthesis was guided by the preferred reporting items for systematic and meta‐analysis guidelines (PRISMA) statement and data synthesis guided by the Synthesis Without Meta‐analysis (SWiM) guideline. The quality of each article was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results Twenty‐two studies met the inclusion criteria. Twenty‐one used the mandated minimum nurse‐to‐patient ratio methodology and one study assessed the number of nurse hours per patient day staffing methodology. Both methodologies were mandated. All studies that reported on nurse outcomes demonstrated an improvement associated with the implementation of mandated minimum nurse‐to‐patient ratio, but findings related to patient outcomes were inconclusive. Conclusions Evidence on the impact of specific nurse staffing methodologies and patient and nurse outcomes remains highly limited. Future studies that examine the impact of specific staffing methodologies on outcomes are required to inform this fundamental area of management and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane E Twigg
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Lisa Whitehead
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Gemma Doleman
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Perth, WA, Australia.,Centre for Nursing Research, Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Sonia El-Zaemey
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Perth, WA, Australia
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26
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Bartmess M, Myers CR, Thomas SP. Nurse staffing legislation: Empirical evidence and policy analysis. Nurs Forum 2021; 56:660-675. [PMID: 33982311 DOI: 10.1111/nuf.12594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Unsafe nurse staffing conditions in hospitals have been shown to increase the risk of adverse patient events, including mortality. Consequently, United States and international professional nursing organizations often advocate for safer staffing conditions. There are a variety of factors to consider when staffing nurses for patient safety, such as the number of patients per nurse, nurse preparation, patient acuity, and nurse autonomy. The complex issue of staffing nurses often is compounded by cost issues and can become politicized. When nurse organizations' recommendations for safe staffing measures are disregarded by hospital administrations, nurse lobbyists and interest groups often pursue legislative action to protect patients and nurses from unsafe staffing conditions. This article presents a narrative review of safe nurse staffing factors and an analysis of nurse staffing legislation. Using a patient-centric lens, three state-level nurse staffing policies (mandated nurse-to-patient ratios, public reporting of staffing plans, and nurse staffing committees) were evaluated by empirical evidence, cost to hospitals and state governments, political feasibility, and potential to affect patient populations. Although nurse staffing policy analysis can be conducted in several ways, it is crucial that nurses consider empirical evidence related to staffing policies as well as evaluations of implemented policies and political influences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Bartmess
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Carole R Myers
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sandra P Thomas
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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Murphy A, Griffiths P, Duffield C, Brady NM, Scott AP, Ball J, Drennan J. Estimating the economic cost of nurse sensitive adverse events amongst patients in medical and surgical settings. J Adv Nurs 2021; 77:3379-3388. [PMID: 33951225 DOI: 10.1111/jan.14860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To identify the costs associated with nurse sensitive adverse events and the impact of these events on patients' length of stay. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study using administrative hospital data. METHODS Data were sourced from patient discharge information (N = 5544) from six acute wards within three hospitals (July 2016-October 2017). A retrospective patient record review was undertaken by extracting data from the hospitals' administrative systems on inpatient discharges, length of stay and diagnoses; eleven adverse events sensitive to nurse staffing were identified within the administrative system. A negative binomial regression is employed to assess the impact of nurse sensitive adverse events on length of stay. RESULTS Sixteen per cent of the sample (n = 897) had at least one nurse sensitive adverse event during their episode of care. The model revealed when age, gender, admission type and complexity are controlled for, each additional nurse sensitive adverse event experienced by a patient was associated with an increase in the length of stay beyond the national average by 0.48 days (p = .001). Applying this to the daily average cost of inpatient stay per patient (€1456), we estimate the average cost associated with each nurse sensitive adverse event to be €694. Extrapolating this nationally, the economic cost of nurse sensitive adverse events to the health service in Ireland is estimated to be €91.3 million annually. CONCLUSION These potentially avoidable events are associated with a significant economic burden to health systems. The estimates provided here can be used to inform and prepare the way for future economic evaluations of nurse staffing initiatives that aim to improve care and safety. IMPACT As many of these nurse sensitive adverse events are avoidable, in addition to patient benefits, there is a potential substantial financial return on investment from strategies such as improved nurse staffing that can reduce their occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Murphy
- Cork University Business School, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Christine Duffield
- Nursing and Health Services Management, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Nursing and Midwifery, Centre for Health Services Management and Edith Cowan University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Noeleen M Brady
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Jane Ball
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jonathan Drennan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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García-Altés A, Subirana-Casacuberta M, Llorens D, Bullich I, Brugués A, Teixidor M, Cuxart N, Esteve M, Estrem M. The experience of Catalonia measuring nurse-sensitive indicators: Trends study 2012-2018. J Nurs Manag 2021; 29:2288-2296. [PMID: 33894075 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AIM To describe nursing-sensitive indicators measured in Catalonia. BACKGROUND In Catalonia, since 2012, under the umbrella of the Results Centre, outcomes of every health care setting have been published and made open to health care professionals and citizens. METHODS Trends study of nursing-sensitive indicators was based on data collected systematically from each setting from 2012 to 2018. Percentages and rates were calculated for each of 14 indicators analysed from all primary care, hospitals and long-term care centres. RESULTS Percentage of population aged 60 years or older correctly vaccinated against flu has been decreasing, while percentage of population aged 14 years or under with correct vaccine status is high (over 91%) and has remained stable over time. Mortality in patients who have developed complications has increased, from 27.1% in 2012 to 34.0% in 2017. Most centres achieved functional improvements during the first 30 days of admission. CONCLUSIONS Among all indicators measured in primary care, hospital and long-term care, only 14 analysed are nursing-sensitive; no nursing-sensitive indicators regarding mental health are measured. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Research focused on development of nursing-sensitive indicators offers an opportunity to measure and benchmark nurses' quality of care and their contribution in achieving populations' health improvement and health care system sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna García-Altés
- Generalitat de Catalunya, Agència de Qualitat i Avaluació Sanitàries de Catalunya (AQuAS), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Subirana-Casacuberta
- Generalitat de Catalunya, Agència de Qualitat i Avaluació Sanitàries de Catalunya (AQuAS), Barcelona, Spain.,Nursing Department, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Spain.,Research group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O), Fsssaculty of Health Science and Welfare, Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVIC-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Dolors Llorens
- Consell de Col·legis d'Infermeres i Infermers de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ingrid Bullich
- Nursing Department, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Spain.,Grup de Recerca en Cronicitat de la Catalunya Central (C3RG), Faculty of Health Science and Welfare, Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVIC-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Alba Brugués
- Consorci de Castelldefels Agents de Salut (CASAP), Avinguda de la Ciutat de Màlaga, Castelldefels, Spain
| | - Montserrat Teixidor
- Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, Fundació Infermeria i Societat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria Cuxart
- Consell de Col·legis d'Infermeres i Infermers de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marga Esteve
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
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Dall'Ora C, Griffiths P, Hope J, Briggs J, Jeremy J, Gerry S, Redfern OC. How long do nursing staff take to measure and record patients' vital signs observations in hospital? A time-and-motion study. Int J Nurs Stud 2021; 118:103921. [PMID: 33812297 PMCID: PMC8249906 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2021.103921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Monitoring vital signs in hospital is an important part of safe patient care. However, there are no robust estimates of the workload it generates for nursing staff. This makes it difficult to plan adequate staffing to ensure current monitoring protocols can be delivered. Objective To estimate the time taken to measure and record one set of patient's vital signs; and to identify factors associated with the time required to measure and record one set of patient's vital signs. Methods We undertook a time-and-motion study of 16 acute medical or surgical wards across four hospitals in England. Two trained observers followed a standard operating procedure to record the time taken to measure and record vital signs. We used mixed-effects models to estimate the mean time using whole vital signs rounds, which included equipment preparation, time spent taking vital signs at the bedside, vital signs documentation, and equipment storing. We tested whether our estimates were influenced by nurse, ward and hospital factors. Results After excluding non-vital signs related interruptions, dividing the length of a vital signs round by the number of vital signs assessments in that round yielded an estimated time per vital signs set of 5 min and 1 second (95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 4:39–5:24). If interruptions within the round were included, the estimated time was 6:26 (95% CI = 6:01–6:50). If only time taking each patient's vital signs at the bedside was considered, after excluding non-vital signs related interruptions, the estimated time was 3:45 (95% CI = 3:32–3:58). We found no substantial differences by hospital, ward or nurse characteristics, despite different systems for recording vital signs being used across the hospitals. Discussion The time taken to observe and record a patient's vital signs is considerable, so changes to recommended assessment frequency could have major workload implications. Variation in estimates derived from previous studies may, in part, arise from a lack of clarity about what was included in the reported times. We found no evidence that nurses save time when using electronic vital signs recording, or that the grade of staff measuring the vital signs influenced the time taken. Conclusions Measuring and recording vital signs is time consuming and the impact of interruptions and preparation away from the bedside is considerable. When considering the nursing workload around vital signs assessment, no assumption of relative efficiency should be made if different technologies or staff groups are deployed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Dall'Ora
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom; Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.
| | - Peter Griffiths
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom; Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States.
| | - Joanna Hope
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom; Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.
| | - Jim Briggs
- Centre for Healthcare Modelling and Informatics, University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom.
| | - Jones Jeremy
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom.
| | - Stephen Gerry
- Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Oliver C Redfern
- Critical Care Research Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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30
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Eddahchouri Y, Koeneman M, Plokker M, Brouwer E, van de Belt TH, van Goor H, Bredie SJ. Low compliance to a vital sign safety protocol on general hospital wards: A retrospective cohort study. Int J Nurs Stud 2021; 115:103849. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2020.103849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Nahasaram ST, Ramoo V, Lee WL. Missed nursing care in the Malaysian context: A cross-sectional study from nurses' perspective. J Nurs Manag 2021; 29:1848-1856. [PMID: 33544403 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM To determine the occurrence, factors and outcome of missed nursing care from the perspective of Malaysian nurses. BACKGROUND Missed nursing care is an important issue in the global health care sector. However, little is known on the extent of missed nursing care in the Malaysian context and its contributing factors. METHODS A cross-sectional design was adopted for data collection using the MISSCARE Survey instrument. Participants comprised 364 nurses from medical and surgical wards of a large teaching hospital. Data were analysed using descriptive, binomial logistic and hierarchical regression analyses. RESULTS The overall occurrence of missed nursing care was 1.88 (on a scale of 1.00-5.00), which differed across 24 nursing care elements. Basic nursing care and communication-related care were the most frequently missed elements. Types of ward and labour resources were identified as contributing factors to missed nursing care (p < .001). No significant association was found between missed nursing care and nurses' intention to leave (p > .05). CONCLUSION The occurrence of missed nursing care was noted to be low. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Practical strategies such as an acuity-based staffing system, close monitoring of rendered care and strengthening of teamwork are recommended to minimize missed nursing care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri Theyshaini Nahasaram
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Vimala Ramoo
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wan Ling Lee
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Xie J, Li J, Wang S, Li L, Wang K, Duan Y, Liu Q, Zhong Z, Ding S, Cheng ASK. Job burnout and its influencing factors among newly graduated nurses: A cross-sectional study. J Clin Nurs 2020; 30:508-517. [PMID: 33205476 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Burnout affects the quality of work and health of newly graduated nurses, increases the turnover rate among newly graduated nurses and leads to a shortage of nurses. Reducing job burnout among newly graduated nurses is critical. However, the factors that impact burnout among newly graduated nurses are currently not well known. OBJECTIVE This exploratory study aims to identify the factors that influence burnout among newly graduated nurses in China. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of newly graduated nurses from 15 cities in 13 provinces in China. We used online questionnaires to conduct the survey and obtain the results in this study. A STROBE checklist was used to report the results. RESULTS Of the 2400 questionnaires distributed, 2071 (86.29%) were returned. Job satisfaction, professional rank, hospital level, professional values and core competence were negatively correlated with burnout, while negative emotions were positively correlated with burnout. Women were more prone to burnout than men. CONCLUSIONS Burnout among newly graduated nurses was divided into three dimensions based on the Maslach Burnout Inventory Scale. Our findings provided new evidence that newly graduated nurses had average levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation and low levels of personal accomplishment. Job satisfaction, professional rank, hospital level, gender, professional values, negative emotions and core competence were predictors of job burnout among NGNs in China. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Nursing managers should pay attention to burnout management, standardise training about professional values, core competence and coping mechanisms and promote mental health and job satisfaction among newly graduated nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfei Xie
- Department of Nursing, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Nursing Safety Management Research Center of Central South University (CNSMRC of CSU), Changsha, China
| | - Jie Li
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Sha Wang
- Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lijun Li
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kewei Wang
- Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Yinglong Duan
- Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhuqing Zhong
- Department of Nursing, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Nursing Safety Management Research Center of Central South University (CNSMRC of CSU), Changsha, China
| | - Siqing Ding
- Clinical Nursing Safety Management Research Center of Central South University (CNSMRC of CSU), Changsha, China
| | - Andy S K Cheng
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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Dall'Ora C, Ball J, Redfern OC, Griffiths P. Night work for hospital nurses and sickness absence: a retrospective study using electronic rostering systems. Chronobiol Int 2020; 37:1357-1364. [PMID: 32847414 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2020.1806290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
There is conflicting evidence on the effect of night work on sickness absence. Most previous studies used self-reporting to identify shift patterns and measure levels of sickness absence. In contrast, this study used objective data from electronic rosters to explore the association of nurses' patterns of night work and sickness absence. This was a retrospective longitudinal study of nurse roster data from 32 general medical and surgical wards in a large acute hospital in England. We used data from 3 years and included both registered nurses and unregistered nursing assistants. We used generalized linear-mixed models to explore the association between night work and the subsequent occurrence of sickness absence. Of 601,282 shifts worked by 1944 nursing staff, 38,051 shifts were lost due to sickness absence. After controlling for potential confounders including proportion of long (≥12 h) shifts worked, proportion of overtime shifts, proportion of shifts worked in the past 7 days, and staff grade, we found that staff working more than 75% of their shifts in the past 7 days as night shifts were more likely to experience sickness absence (aOR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.03-1.21), compared to staff working on day only schedules. Sub-group analysis found that an association between a high proportion of night shifts worked and long-term sickness (aOR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.15-1.50), but not short-term sickness. Working high proportions of night shifts, likely representing permanent night work schedules, is associated with a higher risk of long-term sickness absence for nurses working in inpatient adult wards in acute hospitals. The higher sickness absence rates associated with permanent night shifts could result in additional costs or loss of productivity for hospitals. This study challenges the assumption that permanent night schedules maximize circadian adjustment and, therefore, reduce health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Dall'Ora
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jane Ball
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Oliver C Redfern
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter Griffiths
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
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Cheevers K, Armes J, Harris J, Rafferty AM. Adaptation and preliminary testing of the registered nursing forecasting (RN4CAST) nurse survey for use in the ambulatory chemotherapy setting. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2020; 47:101794. [PMID: 32674035 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2020.101794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to adapt the Registered Nurse Forecast (RN4CAST) nurse survey making it appropriate to assess the working environments of ambulatory chemotherapy nurses, specifically focusing on care left undone. METHOD A two-phase approach was used. Firstly, cognitive interviews were conducted to adapt role specific sections of the RN4CAST nurses survey. The interviews were analysed to assess comprehension, retrieval, judgement and response processes to create the RN4CAST-chemotherapy assessment tool (CAT) survey. Secondly, a single centre feasibility study was undertaken to assess acceptability of the RN4CAST-CAT survey in an ambulatory chemotherapy setting. Results of the feasibility study were analysed using descriptive statistics and compared with routinely collected patient experience data. RESULTS The cognitive interviews (n=6) resulted in important amendments to the RN4CAST-CAT. Response rate to the feasibility study was acceptable at 57% (n=12) and item completion rate was good (on average only 1 response missing per item). On average nurses looked after nine patients per shift, administered seven chemotherapy treatments and worked an hour and 10 min over their contracted time. Main areas of care left undone were related to verbal communication with patients and assessing patient comorbidities and toxicities. CONCLUSIONS We were able to adapt the RN4CAST to make it suitable for use in the ambulatory chemotherapy setting. Our study offers preliminary evidence that the RN4CAST-CAT and methodology are feasible and acceptable within the ambulatory chemotherapy setting. Larger scale testing is now required and if validated the RN4CAST-CAT has the potential to provide useful insights into the impact of nursing workload on staff experience, patient care and outcomes on ambulatory chemotherapy settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy Cheevers
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK; Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Jo Armes
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jenny Harris
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK; Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Anne Marie Rafferty
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
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Barnicot K, Allen K, Hood C, Crawford M. Older adult experience of care and staffing on hospital and community wards: a cross-sectional study. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:583. [PMID: 32586334 PMCID: PMC7318426 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05433-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent major concerns about the quality of healthcare delivered to older adults have been linked to inadequate staffing and a lack of patient-centred care. Patient experience is a key component of quality care - yet there has been little research on whether and how staffing levels and staffing types affect satisfaction amongst older adult hospital inpatients. This study aimed to evaluate the association between registered nurse and healthcare assistant staffing levels and satisfaction with care amongst older adult hospital inpatients, and to test whether any positive effect of higher staffing levels is mediated by staff feeling they have more time to care for patients. Methods Survey data from 4928 inpatients aged 65 years and older and 2237 medical and nursing staff from 123 acute and community medical wards in England, United Kingdom (UK) was collected through the Royal College of Psychiatrist’s Elder Care Quality Mark. The cross-sectional association between staffing ratios and older adult patient satisfaction, and mediation by staff perceived time to care, was evaluated using multi-level modelling, adjusted for ward type and with a random effect for ward identity. Results Higher numbers of patients per healthcare assistant were associated with poorer patient satisfaction (adjusted β = − 0.32, 95% CI − 0.55 to 0.10, p < 0.01), and this was found to be partially mediated by all ward staff reporting less time to care for patients (adjusted β = − 0.10, bias-corrected 95% CI − 1.16 to − 0.02). By contrast, in both unadjusted and adjusted models, the number of patients per registered nurse was not associated with patient satisfaction. Conclusions Older adult hospital patients may particularly value the type of care provided by healthcare assistants, such as basic personal care and supportive communication. Additionally, higher availability of healthcare assistants may contribute to all ward staff feeling more able to spend time with patients. However, high availability of registered nurses has been shown in other research to be vital for ensuring quality and safety of patient care. Future research should seek to identify the ideal balance of registered nurses and healthcare assistants for optimising a range of outcomes amongst older adult patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Barnicot
- Mental Health Services Research, City University of London, School of Health Sciences, Myddleton Building, 1 Myddleton Street, London, EC1R 1UW, UK. .,Division of Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | | | - Chloe Hood
- Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, UK
| | - Mike Crawford
- Division of Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, UK
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Examine attitudes to using online health and wellness services, and determine what barriers may exist to this in two rural communities in New Zealand. DESIGN A thematic analysis informed by a social constructivist paradigm explored the attitudes of youth and adults to give voice to these communities. Eighteen focus groups-nine in each region-were held for an hour each, with between three and nine participants in each group. SETTING Two rural areas at the Northern and Southern ends of New Zealand were chosen. In each area, we partnered with a local health centre providing primary care services. Three localities were identified within each region where we conducted the data collection. PARTICIPANTS Participants were youth aged 12-15 years, aged 16-20 years and adults over 21 years. Overall, 74 females and 40 males were recruited. Recruitment occurred through schools, community organisations or personal contacts of the facilitators, who were youth workers in their respective communities. Ethnicity of the participants was representative of each area, with a higher percentage of Māori participants in Northland. RESULTS Eight themes were identified which described participants' attitudes to technology use in healthcare. Themes covered accessibility, cost, independence, anonymity and awareness issues: technology makes health information easily accessible; access to technology can be limited in rural communities; technology can reduce the cost of healthcare but it is too expensive for some; technology increases independence and autonomy of people's own health; independent healthcare decisions come with risks; anonymity encourages people to seek help online; technology can help raise awareness and provide peer-support for people with health issues; technology impacts on social relationships. CONCLUSIONS Participants-particularly youth-were generally positive about the role of technology in healthcare delivery, and interested in ways technology could improve autonomy and access to health and wellness services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan R Babbage
- Auckland University of Technology, Centre for eHealth, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kirsten van Kessel
- Centre for eHealth & School of Public Health and Psychosocial Studies, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Agnes Terraschke
- Auckland University of Technology, Centre for eHealth, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Juliet Drown
- Auckland University of Technology, Centre for eHealth, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Hinemoa Elder
- Brain Research New Zealand, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Griffiths P, Saville C, Ball J, Culliford D, Pattison N, Monks T. Performance of the Safer Nursing Care Tool to measure nurse staffing requirements in acute hospitals: a multicentre observational study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e035828. [PMID: 32414828 PMCID: PMC7232629 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The best way to determine nurse staffing requirements on hospital wards is unclear. This study explores the precision of estimates of nurse staffing requirements made using the Safer Nursing Care Tool (SNCT) patient classification system for different sample sizes and investigates whether recommended staff levels correspond with professional judgements of adequate staffing. DESIGN Observational study linking datasets of staffing requirements (estimated using a tool) to professional judgements of adequate staffing. Multilevel logistic regression modelling. SETTING 81 medical/surgical units in four acute care hospitals. PARTICIPANTS 22 364 unit days where staffing levels and SNCT ratings were linked to nurse reports of "enough staff for quality". PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES SNCT-estimated staffing requirements and nurses' assessments of staffing adequacy. RESULTS The recommended minimum sample of 20 days allowed the required number to employ (the establishment) to be estimated with a mean precision (defined as half the width of the CI as a percentage of the mean) of 4.1%. For most units, much larger samples were required to estimate establishments within ±1 whole time equivalent staff member. When staffing was lower than that required according to the SNCT, for each hour per patient day of registered nurse staffing below the required staffing level, the odds of nurses reporting that there were enough staff to provide quality care were reduced by 11%. Correspondingly, the odds of nurses reporting that necessary nursing care was left undone were increased by 14%. No threshold indicating an optimal staffing level was observed. Surgical specialty, patient turnover and more single rooms were associated with lower odds of staffing adequacy. CONCLUSIONS The SNCT can provide reliable estimates of the number of nurses to employ on a unit, but larger samples than the recommended minimum are usually required. The SNCT provides a measure of nursing workload that correlates with professional judgements, but the recommended staffing levels may not be optimal. Some important sources of systematic variations in staffing requirements for some units are not accounted for. SNCT measurements are a potentially useful adjunct to professional judgement but cannot replace it. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN12307968.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Griffiths
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Christina Saville
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jane Ball
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - David Culliford
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Natalie Pattison
- Department of Clinical Services, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, London, UK
- School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Thomas Monks
- National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, UK
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Higaonna M, Morimoto T, Ueda S. Association between nursing care delivery models and patients' health outcomes in a university hospital: A retrospective cohort study based on the Diagnostic Procedure Combination database. Jpn J Nurs Sci 2020; 17:e12319. [PMID: 32239665 DOI: 10.1111/jjns.12319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study aims to examine the association between nursing delivery models (fixed-team nursing model and Partnership Nursing System® [PNS®]) and patients' health outcomes (30-day in-hospital mortality and functional decline, indicated by a decline in Barthel Index or in-hospital mortality). METHODS This study used a retrospective cohort design based on the data from the Diagnostic Procedure Combination database, which included routinely collected health data for Japanese administrative claims. Participants were inpatients aged 20-99 years admitted between July 2010 and August 2012 (fixed-team nursing period) and July 2014 and August 2017 (PNS® period) to an academic teaching hospital in Japan. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using multivariable logistic models. RESULTS We included 24,108 and 23,872 patients for the analyses of 30-day in-hospital mortality and functional decline, respectively (median age: 62 years; 52% women). The 30-day mortalities in both fixed-team nursing and PNS® groups were 0.5%. There was no significant association between the nursing delivery models and 30-day in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio = 1.15, 95% confidence interval = 0.78-1.70). However, the PNS® group was found to have a higher proportion of patients with functional decline (2.7%) than the fixed-team nursing group (2.2%; p = .030). The adjusted odds ratio of declined function in the PNS® group, compared to the fixed-team nursing group, was 1.40 (95% confidence interval = 1.17-1.68, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Further studies are needed to examine how the PNS® model influences patient outcomes, especially nurse-sensitive patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miki Higaonna
- Gerontological Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyu, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Takeshi Morimoto
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Center for Clinical Research and Education, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Ueda
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
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Musy SN, Endrich O, Leichtle AB, Griffiths P, Nakas CT, Simon M. Longitudinal Study of the Variation in Patient Turnover and Patient-to-Nurse Ratio: Descriptive Analysis of a Swiss University Hospital. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e15554. [PMID: 32238331 PMCID: PMC7163415 DOI: 10.2196/15554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Variations in patient demand increase the challenge of balancing high-quality nursing skill mixes against budgetary constraints. Developing staffing guidelines that allow high-quality care at minimal cost requires first exploring the dynamic changes in nursing workload over the course of a day. Objective Accordingly, this longitudinal study analyzed nursing care supply and demand in 30-minute increments over a period of 3 years. We assessed 5 care factors: patient count (care demand), nurse count (care supply), the patient-to-nurse ratio for each nurse group, extreme supply-demand mismatches, and patient turnover (ie, number of admissions, discharges, and transfers). Methods Our retrospective analysis of data from the Inselspital University Hospital Bern, Switzerland included all inpatients and nurses working in their units from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017. Two data sources were used. The nurse staffing system (tacs) provided information about nurses and all the care they provided to patients, their working time, and admission, discharge, and transfer dates and times. The medical discharge data included patient demographics, further admission and discharge details, and diagnoses. Based on several identifiers, these two data sources were linked. Results Our final dataset included more than 58 million data points for 128,484 patients and 4633 nurses across 70 units. Compared with patient turnover, fluctuations in the number of nurses were less pronounced. The differences mainly coincided with shifts (night, morning, evening). While the percentage of shifts with extreme staffing fluctuations ranged from fewer than 3% (mornings) to 30% (evenings and nights), the percentage within “normal” ranges ranged from fewer than 50% to more than 80%. Patient turnover occurred throughout the measurement period but was lowest at night. Conclusions Based on measurements of patient-to-nurse ratio and patient turnover at 30-minute intervals, our findings indicate that the patient count, which varies considerably throughout the day, is the key driver of changes in the patient-to-nurse ratio. This demand-side variability challenges the supply-side mandate to provide safe and reliable care. Detecting and describing patterns in variability such as these are key to appropriate staffing planning. This descriptive analysis was a first step towards identifying time-related variables to be considered for a predictive nurse staffing model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Musy
- Institute of Nursing Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Nursing and Midwifery Research Unit, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Olga Endrich
- Medical Directorate, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Insel Data Science Center, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Alexander B Leichtle
- Insel Data Science Center, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,University Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Peter Griffiths
- Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration (Wessex), Southampton, United Kingdom.,LIME Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christos T Nakas
- University Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Laboratory of Biometry, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
| | - Michael Simon
- Institute of Nursing Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Nursing and Midwifery Research Unit, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Saville C, Monks T, Griffiths P, Ball JE. Costs and consequences of using average demand to plan baseline nurse staffing levels: a computer simulation study. BMJ Qual Saf 2020; 30:7-16. [PMID: 32217698 PMCID: PMC7788209 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2019-010569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Planning numbers of nursing staff allocated to each hospital ward (the ‘staffing establishment’) is challenging because both demand for and supply of staff vary. Having low numbers of registered nurses working on a shift is associated with worse quality of care and adverse patient outcomes, including higher risk of patient safety incidents. Most nurse staffing tools recommend setting staffing levels at the average needed but modelling studies suggest that this may not lead to optimal levels. Objective Using computer simulation to estimate the costs and understaffing/overstaffing rates delivered/caused by different approaches to setting staffing establishments. Methods We used patient and roster data from 81 inpatient wards in four English hospital Trusts to develop a simulation of nurse staffing. Outcome measures were understaffed/overstaffed patient shifts and the cost per patient-day. We compared staffing establishments based on average demand with higher and lower baseline levels, using an evidence-based tool to assess daily demand and to guide flexible staff redeployments and temporary staffing hires to make up any shortfalls. Results When baseline staffing was set to meet the average demand, 32% of patient shifts were understaffed by more than 15% after redeployment and hiring from a limited pool of temporary staff. Higher baseline staffing reduced understaffing rates to 21% of patient shifts. Flexible staffing reduced both overstaffing and understaffing but when used with low staffing establishments, the risk of critical understaffing was high, unless temporary staff were unlimited, which was associated with high costs. Conclusion While it is common practice to base staffing establishments on average demand, our results suggest that this may lead to more understaffing than setting establishments at higher levels. Flexible staffing, while an important adjunct to the baseline staffing, was most effective at avoiding understaffing when high numbers of permanent staff were employed. Low staffing establishments with flexible staffing saved money because shifts were unfilled rather than due to efficiencies. Thus, employing low numbers of permanent staff (and relying on temporary staff and redeployments) risks quality of care and patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Saville
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Thomas Monks
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, UK.,NIHR CLAHRC Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Peter Griffiths
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK.,NIHR CLAHRC Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Jane Elisabeth Ball
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK.,Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Griffiths P, Saville C, Ball JE, Chable R, Dimech A, Jones J, Jeffrey Y, Pattison N, Saucedo AR, Sinden N, Monks T. The Safer Nursing Care Tool as a guide to nurse staffing requirements on hospital wards: observational and modelling study. Health Serv Deliv Res 2020. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr08160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe Safer Nursing Care Tool is a system designed to guide decisions about nurse staffing requirements on hospital wards, in particular the number of nurses to employ (establishment). The Safer Nursing Care Tool is widely used in English hospitals but there is a lack of evidence about how effective and cost-effective nurse staffing tools are at providing the staffing levels needed for safe and quality patient care.ObjectivesTo determine whether or not the Safer Nursing Care Tool corresponds to professional judgement, to assess a range of options for using the Safer Nursing Care Tool and to model the costs and consequences of various ward staffing policies based on Safer Nursing Care Tool acuity/dependency measure.DesignThis was an observational study on medical/surgical wards in four NHS hospital trusts using regression, computer simulations and economic modelling. We compared the effects and costs of a ‘high’ establishment (set to meet demand on 90% of days), the ‘standard’ (mean-based) establishment and a ‘flexible (low)’ establishment (80% of the mean) providing a core staff group that would be sufficient on days of low demand, with flexible staff re-deployed/hired to meet fluctuations in demand.SettingMedical/surgical wards in four NHS hospital trusts.Main outcome measuresThe main outcome measures were professional judgement of staffing adequacy and reports of omissions in care, shifts staffed more than 15% below the measured requirement, cost per patient-day and cost per life saved.Data sourcesThe data sources were hospital administrative systems, staff reports and national reference costs.ResultsIn total, 81 wards participated (85% response rate), with data linking Safer Nursing Care Tool ratings and staffing levels for 26,362 wards × days (96% response rate). According to Safer Nursing Care Tool measures, 26% of all ward-days were understaffed by ≥ 15%. Nurses reported that they had enough staff to provide quality care on 78% of shifts. When using the Safer Nursing Care Tool to set establishments, on average 60 days of observation would be needed for a 95% confidence interval spanning 1 whole-time equivalent either side of the mean. Staffing levels below the daily requirement estimated using the Safer Nursing Care Tool were associated with lower odds of nurses reporting ‘enough staff for quality’ and more reports of missed nursing care. However, the relationship was effectively linear, with staffing above the recommended level associated with further improvements. In simulation experiments, ‘flexible (low)’ establishments led to high rates of understaffing and adverse outcomes, even when temporary staff were readily available. Cost savings were small when high temporary staff availability was assumed. ‘High’ establishments were associated with substantial reductions in understaffing and improved outcomes but higher costs, although, under most assumptions, the cost per life saved was considerably less than £30,000.LimitationsThis was an observational study. Outcomes of staffing establishments are simulated.ConclusionsUnderstanding the effect on wards of variability of workload is important when planning staffing levels. The Safer Nursing Care Tool correlates with professional judgement but does not identify optimal staffing levels. Employing more permanent staff than recommended by the Safer Nursing Care Tool guidelines, meeting demand most days, could be cost-effective. Apparent cost savings from ‘flexible (low)’ establishments are achieved largely by below-adequate staffing. Cost savings are eroded under the conditions of high temporary staff availability that are required to make such policies function.Future workResearch is needed to identify cut-off points for required staffing. Prospective studies measuring patient outcomes and comparing the results of different systems are feasible.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN12307968.FundingThis project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Services and Delivery Research programme and will be published in full inHealth Services and Delivery Research; Vol. 8, No. 16. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Griffiths
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Christina Saville
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jane E Ball
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Rosemary Chable
- Training, Development & Workforce, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Andrew Dimech
- Clinical Services, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jeremy Jones
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Yvonne Jeffrey
- Nursing & Patient Services, Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, UK
| | - Natalie Pattison
- Clinical Services, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | | | - Nicola Sinden
- Nursing Directorate, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Thomas Monks
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Dall'Ora C, Griffiths P, Hope J, Barker H, Smith GB. What is the nursing time and workload involved in taking and recording patients' vital signs? A systematic review. J Clin Nurs 2020; 29:2053-2068. [PMID: 32017272 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To synthesise evidence regarding the time nurses take to monitor and record vital signs observations and to calculate early warning scores. BACKGROUND While the importance of vital signs' monitoring is increasingly highlighted as a fundamental means of maintaining patient safety and avoiding patient deterioration, the time and associated workload involved in vital signs activities for nurses are currently unknown. DESIGN Systematic review. METHODS A literature search was performed up to 17 December 2019 in CINAHL, Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library using the following terms: vital signs; monitoring; surveillance; observation; recording; early warning scores; workload; time; and nursing. We included studies performed in secondary or tertiary ward settings, where vital signs activities were performed by nurses, and we excluded qualitative studies and any research conducted exclusively in paediatric or maternity settings. The study methods were compliant with the PRISMA checklist. RESULTS Of 1,277 articles, we included 16 papers. Studies described taking vital signs observations as the time to measure/collect vital signs and time to record/document vital signs. As well as mean times being variable between studies, there was considerable variation in the time taken within some studies as standard deviations were high. Documenting vital signs observations electronically at the bedside was faster than documenting vital signs away from the bed. CONCLUSIONS Variation in the method(s) of vital signs measurement, the timing of entry into the patient record, the method of recording and the calculation of early warning scores values across the literature make direct comparisons of their influence on total time taken difficult or impossible. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE There is a very limited body of research that might inform workload planning around vital signs observations. This uncertainty means the resource implications of any recommendation to change the frequency of observations associated with early warning scores are unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Dall'Ora
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration (NIHR ARC) Wessex, Southampton, UK
| | - Peter Griffiths
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration (NIHR ARC) Wessex, Southampton, UK.,Division of Innovative Care Research, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joanna Hope
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration (NIHR ARC) Wessex, Southampton, UK
| | - Hannah Barker
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Gary B Smith
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
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Smith GB, Redfern O, Maruotti A, Recio-Saucedo A, Griffiths P; The Missed Care Study Group. The association between nurse staffing levels and a failure to respond to patients with deranged physiology: A retrospective observational study in the UK. Resuscitation 2020; 149:202-8. [PMID: 31945427 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Responding to abnormalities in patients' vital signs is a fundamental aspect of nursing. However, failure to respond to patient deterioration is common and often leads to adverse patient outcomes. This study aimed to determine the association between Registered Nurse (RN) and Nursing Assistant (NA) staffing levels and the failure to respond promptly to patients' abnormal physiology. METHODS This retrospective, observational study used routinely collected patients' vital signs and administrative data, including nursing staffing, from 32 general wards of an acute hospital in England between April 2012 and March 2015. Mixed-effects binomial regression was used to model the relationship between nurse staffing, measured as 'Hours per Patient Day' (HPPD), and a composite primary outcome representing failure to respond for patients with National Early Warning Score (NEWS) values ≥ 6 and ≥ 7. RESULTS There were 189,123 NEWS values ≥ 6 and 114,504 NEWS values ≥ 7, affecting 28,098 patients. For patients with NEWS values ≥ 7, failure to respond was significantly associated with levels of RN HPPD ((IRR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-0.99, p = 0.0001) but not NA HPPD (((IRR 0.99, 95%CI 0.96-1.01, p = 0.238). For patients with NEWS values ≥ 6, no such relationship existed. CONCLUSIONS RN, but not NA, staffing levels influence the rates of failure to respond for patients with the most abnormal vital signs (NEWS values ≥ 7). These findings offer a possible explanation for the increasingly reported association between low RN staffing and an increased risk of patient death during a hospital admission.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this review is to comment on the association between hospital nursing personnel staffing and patient outcomes, including the avoidance of errors and complications. METHODS A literature search was carried out in the Medline database on publications from the last 10 years on nursing personnel staffing. RESULTS Only overviews and observational studies on the topic were available and no controlled or prospective surveys. Most investigators assumed that there was an inverse relationship between low nursing staff levels of hospital wards and intensive care and adverse outcomes, including higher mortality rates; however, there is no clear significance for this assumption and evidence-based definitive lower limits for nursing staff cannot be given due to a lack of randomized trials. The causes for unfavorable results in the case of inadequate nursing personnel staffing include hygiene deficiencies, orders not followed and unfulfilled nursing and monitoring measures. Furthermore, staff overload leads to staff dissatisfaction and burnout, which also has a negative impact on the results. Most studies required a maximum patient to nurse ratio of 2:1 for the intensive care unit and an average ratio of not more than 8:1 for surgical wards. With respect to these requirements, changing personnel needs must be considered depending on the current state of the patients being cared for, which enabled all investigators to require a flexible roster design; approval for fixed statutory lower limits for nursing staff was low. The level of education of the nursing staff also played an essential role as qualified nursing staff cannot be replaced at will by less qualified assistant staff. CONCLUSION The level of training and the number of the nursing personnel influence hospital mortality and adverse outcomes; however, there are no evidence-based lower levels for nursing staff for inpatient care and perhaps this cannot be the case due to the changing complexity of the patients admitted, the comorbidities and possible treatment complications. There is a considerable need for research.
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Dall’Ora C, Maruotti A, Griffiths P. Temporary Staffing and Patient Death in Acute Care Hospitals: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study. J Nurs Scholarsh 2019; 52:210-216. [DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Dall’Ora
- Research Fellow in Nursing Workforce University of Southampton, School of Health Sciences, and visiting researcher NIHR CLAHRC Wessex, University of Southampton, School of Health Sciences Southampton UK
| | - Antonello Maruotti
- Professor, Dipartimento di Scienze Economiche Politiche e delle Lingue Moderne – Libera Università Maria Ss Assunta Roma Italy
| | - Peter Griffiths
- Chair of Health Services Research University of Southampton, School of Health Sciences, and NIHR CLAHRC Wessex, University of Southampton, School of Health Sciences Southampton UK
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Hope J, Griffiths P, Schmidt PE, Recio-Saucedo A, Smith GB. Impact of using data from electronic protocols in nursing performance management: A qualitative interview study. J Nurs Manag 2019; 27:1682-1690. [PMID: 31482604 PMCID: PMC6919414 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.12858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Aim To explore the impact of using electronic data in performance management to improve nursing compliance with a protocol. Background Electronic data are increasingly used to monitor protocol compliance but little is known about the impact on nurses’ practice in hospital wards. Method Seventeen acute hospital nursing staff participated in semi‐structured interviews about compliance with an early warning score (EWS) protocol delivered by a bedside electronic handheld device. Results Before electronic EWS data was used to monitor compliance, staff combined protocol‐led actions with clinical judgement. However, some observations were missed to reduce noise and disruption at night. After compliance monitoring was introduced, observations were sometimes covertly omitted using a loophole. Interviewees described a loss of autonomy but acknowledged the EWS system sometimes flagged unexpected patient deterioration. Conclusions Introducing automated electronic systems to support nursing tasks can decrease nursing burden but remove the ability to record legitimate reasons for missing observations. This can result in covert resistance that could reduce patient safety. Implications for nursing management Providing the ability to log legitimate reasons for missing observations would allow nurses to balance professional judgement with the use of electronic data in performance management of protocol compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Hope
- School of Health Sciences, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC), University of Southampton, Wessex, Southampton, UK
| | - Peter Griffiths
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Paul E Schmidt
- Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Medical Assessment Unit, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, UK
| | | | - Gary B Smith
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Research & Education (CoPMRE), Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK
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Saville CE, Griffiths P, Ball JE, Monks T. How many nurses do we need? A review and discussion of operational research techniques applied to nurse staffing. Int J Nurs Stud 2019; 97:7-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Needleman J, Liu J, Shang J, Larson EL, Stone PW. Association of registered nurse and nursing support staffing with inpatient hospital mortality. BMJ Qual Saf 2019; 29:10-18. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2018-009219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundThe association of nursing staffing with patient outcomes has primarily been studied by comparing high to low staffed hospitals, raising concern other factors may account for observed differences. We examine the association of inpatient mortality with patients’ cumulative exposure to shifts with low registered nurse (RN) staffing, low nursing support staffing and high patient turnover.MethodsCumulative counts of exposure to shifts with low staffing and high patient turnover were used as time-varying covariates in survival analysis of data from a three-campus US academic medical centre for 2007–2012. Staffing below 75% of annual median unit staffing for each staff category and shift type was characterised as low. High patient turnover per day was defined as admissions, discharges and transfers 1 SD above unit annual daily averages.ResultsModels included cumulative counts of patient exposure to shifts with low RN staffing, low nursing support staffing, both concurrently and high patient turnover. The HR for exposure to shifts with low RN staffing only was 1.027 (95% CI 1.002 to 1.053, p<0.001), low nursing support only, 1.030 (95% CI 1.017 to 1.042, p<0.001) and shifts with both low, 1.025 (95% CI 1.008 to 1.043, p=0.035). For a model examining cumulative exposure over the second to fifth days of an admission, the HR for exposure to shifts with low RN staffing only was 1.048 (95% CI 0.998 to 1.100, p=0.061), low nursing support only, 1.032 (95% CI 1.008 to 1.057, p<0.01) and for shifts with both low,1.136 (95% CI 1.089 to 1.185, p<0.001). No relationship was observed for high patient turnover and mortality.ConclusionLow RN and nursing support staffing were associated with increased mortality. The results should encourage hospital leadership to assure both adequate RN and nursing support staffing.
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Smith JG, Plover CM, McChesney MC, Lake ET. Rural Hospital Nursing Skill Mix and Work Environment Associated With Frequency of Adverse Events. SAGE Open Nurs 2019; 5:2377960819848246. [PMID: 31360773 PMCID: PMC6663106 DOI: 10.1177/2377960819848246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Although rural hospitals serve about one fifth of the United States, few studies have
investigated relationships among nursing resources and rural hospital adverse
events. Objectives: The purpose was to determine relationships among nursing skill mix (proportion of
registered nurses [RNs] to all nursing staff), the work environment, and adverse events
(medication errors, patient falls with injury, pressure ulcers, and urinary tract
infections) in rural hospitals. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, nurse survey data from a large study examining nurse
organizational factors, patient safety, and quality from four U.S. states were linked to
the 2006 American Hospital Association data. The work environment was measured using the
Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PES-NWI). Nurses reported adverse
event frequency. Data analyses were descriptive and inferential. Results: On average, 72% of nursing staff were RNs (range = 45%–100%). Adverse event frequency
ranged from 0% to 67%, across 76 hospitals. In regression models, a 10-point increase in
the proportion of RNs among all nursing staff and a one standard deviation increase in
the PES-NWI score were significantly associated with decreased odds of frequent adverse
events. Conclusion Rural hospitals that increase the nursing skill mix and improve the work environment
may achieve reduced adverse event frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica G Smith
- College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Colin M Plover
- College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Moira C McChesney
- Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eileen T Lake
- Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Peet J, Theobald K, Douglas C. Strengthening nursing surveillance in general wards: A practice development approach. J Clin Nurs 2019; 28:2924-2933. [PMID: 31017325 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To explore the context and culture of nursing surveillance on an acute care ward. BACKGROUND Prevention of patient deterioration is primarily a nursing responsibility in hospital. Registered nurses make judgements and act on emerging threats to patient safety through a process of nursing surveillance. Organisational factors that weaken nursing surveillance capacity on general wards increase the need for patient rescue at the end point of clinical deterioration with poorer outcomes. Yet little is known about cultures that enable and sustain ward nursing surveillance for patient safety. DESIGN Workplace observations and semistructured interviews using a critical lens as the first stage of a larger emancipatory practice development project. METHODS Researcher immersion including 96 hr of nonparticipant observation with 12 semistructured interviews during July-August 2017. This study adhered to the COREQ guidelines. RESULTS We offer a metaphor of nursing surveillance as the threads that support the very fabric of acute care nursing work. These hidden threads enable nurses to weave the tapestry of care that keeps patients safe. This tapestry is vulnerable to internal and external forces, which weaken the structure, putting patients and staff at risk. CONCLUSION Understanding local context is essential to supporting practice change. This workplace observation challenges us to find ways to creatively engage nurses with the underlying cultural and systems issues that so often remain hidden from view in the deteriorating patient literature. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Building cultural values that strengthen nursing surveillance is a prerequisite for safe and effective hospital care. As such, practice-based research that empowers frontline nurses and teams to develop person-centred workplace cultures can hold the key to unlocking sustainable improvements in patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Peet
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Karen Theobald
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Clint Douglas
- School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia.,Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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