Patient satisfaction as an outcome of individualised nursing care

Research outcomes informing the selection of public health interventions and strategies to implement them: A cross-sectional survey of Australian policy-maker and practitioner preferences

BACKGROUND

A key role of public health policy-makers and practitioners is to ensure beneficial interventions are implemented effectively enough to yield improvements in public health. The use of evidence to guide public health decision-making to achieve this is recommended. However, few studies have examined the relative value, as reported by policy-makers and practitioners, of different broad research outcomes (that is, measures of cost, acceptability, and effectiveness). To guide the conduct of research and better inform public health policy and practice, this study aimed at describing the research outcomes that Australian policy-makers and practitioners consider important for their decision-making when selecting: (a) public health interventions; (b) strategies to support their implementation; and (c) to assess the differences in research outcome preferences between policy-makers and practitioners.

METHOD

An online value-weighting survey was conducted with Australian public health policy-makers and practitioners working in the field of non-communicable disease prevention. Participants were presented with a list of research outcomes and were asked to select up to five they considered most critical to their decision-making. They then allocated 100 points across these - allocating more points to outcomes perceived as more important. Outcome lists were derived from a review and consolidation of evaluation and outcome frameworks in the fields of public health knowledge translation and implementation. We used descriptive statistics to report relative preferences overall and for policy-makers and practitioners separately.

RESULTS

Of the 186 participants; 90 primarily identified as policy-makers and 96 as public health prevention practitioners. Overall, research outcomes of effectiveness, equity, feasibility, and sustainability were identified as the four most important outcomes when considering either interventions or strategies to implement them. Scores were similar for most outcomes between policy-makers and practitioners.

CONCLUSION

For Australian policy-makers and practitioners working in the field of non-communicable disease prevention, outcomes related to effectiveness, equity, feasibility, and sustainability appear particularly important to their decisions about the interventions they select and the strategies they employ to implement them. The findings suggest researchers should seek to meet these information needs and prioritize the inclusion of such outcomes in their research and dissemination activities. The extent to which these outcomes are critical to informing the decision of policy-makers and practitioners working in other jurisdictions or contexts warrants further investigation.

The Transition Between Surgery and Ward: Patients' Experiences of Care in a Postoperative Care Unit

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to describe adult patients' experiences of postoperative care in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) after undergoing surgery in Sweden.

DESIGN

Qualitative inductive study.

METHODS

Individual interviews with 14 adults who had experience of being cared for in the PACU were conducted on day 14 to day 26 after surgery. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.

FINDINGS

Early recovery in the PACU was described as a small step in the recovery process and as a time of transition from surgery to the ward. When patients perceived the PACU staff as competent, and as having a positive attitude, providing individualized care, and addressing symptoms or discomfort without being specifically alerted, patients felt safe and cared for. When they were not personally acknowledged, the patients felt abandoned in the highly technological environment.

CONCLUSIONS

To enhance the transition from surgery to the ward, patients need to be personally acknowledged. Their symptoms need to be properly treated by competent staff with a positive and proactive attitude. This creates safe care that supports the transition from the PACU to the ward, as well as the overall recovery process.

Greater nurse density correlates to higher level of population ageing globally, but is more prominent in developed countries

BACKGROUND

Representing over 50% of the healthcare workforce, nurses provide care to people at all ages. This study advances, at a population level, that high levels of nursing services, measured by nurse density may significantly promote population ageing measured by the percentage of a population over 65 years of age (65yo%).

METHODS

Population level data was examined to explore the correlation between nurse density and 65yo%. The confounding impacts on ageing such as the effects of economic affluence, physician density, fertility rate, obesity and urban advantages were also considered. Scatter plots, bivariate correlation, partial correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed for examining the correlations.

RESULTS

Nurse density correlated to 65yo%; this relationship was independent of other influences such as fertility rate, economic affluence, obesity prevalence, physician density and urban advantages. Second to fertility rate, nursing density had the greatest influence on 65yo%. The predicting and confounding variables explain 74.4% of the total 65yo% variance. The universal correlations identified in country groupings suggest that low nurse density may be a significant global concern.

CONCLUSIONS

While nurse density might contribute significantly to 65yo% globally, the effect was more prominent in developed countries. Ironically, countries with higher nurse densities and therefore greater levels of 65yo%, were countries with an increased need for more nursing staff. To highlight the profound implications for the role the nursing profession plays especially at a time of global nursing shortage, further study into the effects of long-run elasticity of nurse staffing level on population ageing may be needed. For instance, what percentage of nursing staff increase would be required to meet every 1% increase of an ageing population.

Patient satisfaction with humanistic nursing in Chinese secondary and tertiary public hospitals: a cross-sectional survey

Background

Humanistic care pertains to the abilities, attitudes, and behaviors central to patient-centered care, contributing to patients' sense of safety and wellbeing. This study aimed to assess the satisfaction of patients with humanistic nursing care in Chinese secondary and tertiary public hospitals.

Methods

A national cross-sectional survey was conducted across 30 provinces and 83 hospitals in China. Patient satisfaction with humanistic care was assessed using the Methodist Health Care System Nurse Caring Instrument (NCI), which encompasses 20 items across 12 dimensions. Each item was rated on a 7-point Likert scale, yielding a total score of 140. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with patients' satisfaction.

Results

Moderate satisfaction (mean score 91.26 ± 13.14) with humanistic nursing care was observed among the 17,593 participants. Factors significantly associated with patient satisfaction included age, hospital type, presence of children, educational attainment, place of residence, family monthly income, and medical insurance type.

Conclusion

The study findings highlight the importance of tailored interventions, evidence-based practice guidelines, and patient-centered care in improving patients' satisfaction with humanistic nursing care. Continuous emphasis on nursing education and professional development is crucial for enhancing humanistic care and patient satisfaction.

Development of patient-centred care in acute hospital settings: A meta-narrative review

BACKGROUND

Patient-centred care is widely recognised as a core aspect of quality health care and has been integrated into policy internationally. There remains a disconnect between policy and practice, with organisations and researchers continuing to offer definitions and frameworks to suit the operational context. It is unclear if and how patient-centred care has been adopted in the acute care context.

AIM

To understand the development of patient-centred care in the context of acute hospital settings over the past decade.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted in accordance with RAMESES standards and principles for meta-narrative reviews. Five databases (Medline, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, JBI) were searched for full-text articles published between 2012 and 2021 related to patient-centred care in the acute care setting, in the context of nursing, medicine and health policy. Literature reviews and discussion papers were excluded. Articles were selected based on their relevance to the research aim. Descriptive and thematic analysis and synthesis of data were undertaken via an interpretivist process to understand the development of the topic.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty four articles were included that reported observational studies (n = 78), interventions (n = 34), tool development (n = 7), expert consensus (n = 2), quality improvement (n = 2), and reflection (n = 1). Most studies were conducted in developed countries and reported the perspective of patients (n = 33), nurses (n = 29), healthcare organisations (n = 7) or multiple perspectives (n = 50). Key words, key authors and organisations for patient-centred care were commonly recognised and provided a basis for the research. Fifty instruments measuring patient-centred care or its aspects were identified. Of the 34 interventions, most were implemented at the micro (clinical) level (n = 25) and appeared to improve care (n = 30). Four articles did not report outcomes. Analysis of the interventions identified three main types: i) staff-related, ii) patient and family-related, and iii) environment-related. Analysis of key findings identified five meta-narratives: i) facilitators of patient-centred care, ii) threats to patient-centred care, iii) outcomes of patient-centred care, iv) elements of patient-centred care, and v) expanding our understanding of patient-centred care.

CONCLUSIONS

Interest in patient centred care continues to grow, with reports shifting from conceptualising to operationalising patient-centred care. Interventions have been successfully implemented in acute care settings at the micro level, further research is needed to determine their sustainability and macro level implementation. Health services should consider staff, patient and organisational factors that can facilitate or threaten patient-centred care when planning interventions.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Patient-centred care in acute care settings - we have arrived! Is it sustainable?

Illuminating Emergency Nurses' Perceptions of Stigma, Attribution, and Caring Behaviors Toward People With Mental Illness Through the Lens of Individualized Care: A Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

Emergency nurses' negative attitudes and lack of caring have been identified as factors affecting the experience of individuals with mental illness in emergency departments. This study examined the relationships between emergency nurses' perceptions of stigma, attribution, caring behaviors, and individualized care toward people with mental illness.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 813 nurses working in United States emergency departments. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire; the Mental Illness: Clinicians' Attitudes Scale-4; the Attribution Questionnaire; 24-Item Caring Behaviors Inventory; and the Individualized Care Scale-Nurse version. Data analyses consisted of descriptive and correlation statistics and multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

The findings from the final regression analysis revealed that caring had a significant relationship with individualized care (version A: β = 0.70, P < .001; Version B: β = 0.73; P < .001). Stigma and attribution had significant inverse relationships with individualized care (β = -0.07, P < .01; β = -0.06, P < .05, respectively).

DISCUSSION

The results of this study indicated that emergency nurses' perception of individualized care toward people with mental illness is mostly associated with the nurses' level of caring behaviors toward this population. Stigma and attribution had little to no effect. Findings from this study reinforce nurses' altruistic and caring qualities. The findings suggest the need for a possible paradigm shift from antistigma training to trainings that prioritize caring behaviors toward mental illness. This could ultimately improve health equity, safety, and overall outcomes for people with mental illness.

Novel Way to Improve Satisfaction, Comprehension, and Anxiety in Caregivers: A Randomized Trial Exploring the Use of Comprehensive, Illustrated Children's Books for Pediatric Surgical Populations

BACKGROUND

Surgery generates anxiety and stress, which can negatively impact informed consent and postoperative outcomes. This study assessed whether educational, illustrated children's books improve comprehension, satisfaction, and anxiety of caregivers in pediatric surgical populations.

METHODS

A prospective randomized trial was initiated at a tertiary care children's hospital. All patients ≤ 18 years old with caregiver and diagnosis of 1) uncomplicated appendicitis (English or Spanish speaking); 2) ruptured appendicitis; 3) pyloric stenosis; 4) need for gastrostomy tube; or 5) umbilical hernia were eligible. Conventional consent was obtained followed by completion of 17 validated survey questions addressing apprehension, satisfaction, and comprehension. Randomization (2:1) occurred after consent and before operative intervention with the experimental group (EG) receiving an illustrated comprehensive children's book outlining anatomy, pathophysiology, hospital course, and postoperative care. A second identical survey was completed before discharge. Primary outcomes were caregiver apprehension, satisfaction, and comprehension.

RESULTS

Eighty caregivers were included (55: EG, 25: control group [CG]). There were no significant differences in patient or caregiver demographics between groups. The baseline survey demonstrated no difference in comprehension, satisfaction, or apprehension between groups (all p values NS). After intervention, EG had significant improvement in 14 of 17 questions compared with CG (all p < 0.05). When tabulated by content, there was significant improvement in comprehension (p = 0.0009), satisfaction (p < 0.0001), and apprehension (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The use of illustrated educational children's books to explain pathophysiology and surgical care is a novel method to improve comprehension, satisfaction, and anxiety of caregivers. This could benefit informed consent, understanding, and postoperative outcomes.

Variations in sustained home visiting care for mothers and children experiencing adversity

Objective

This study aimed to examine the variations in care received by mothers and families within a sustained home visiting program. We sought to identify the extent to which there were variations in home visiting care in response to the program schedule and families’ risk factors.

Design and sample

Data collected within the right@home program, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) for a sustained nurse home visiting intervention in Australia, were analyzed. A total of 352 women comprised the intervention arm of the trial.

Measurements

Visit content in the home visiting program, sociodemographic data, and families’ risk factors were used for analysis.

Results

Our results confirmed that the majority of women received scheduled content on time or within an acceptable timeframe, except for the sleeping program. Women with identified risks were significantly more likely to receive content related to those risks than women without those risks (smoking: Odds Ratio [OR] = 15.39 [95%CI 3.7–64.7], mental health: OR = 15.04 [1.8–124.0], domestic violence: OR = 4.07 [2.0–8.3], and drugs and alcohol: OR = 1.81 [1.1–3.0]).

Conclusions

The right@home program had high compliance with the scheduled content. Capacity development in responding to mothers with the risk of domestic violence and drugs and alcohol is recommended. Further research is required to explore the relationship between variations in care and critical outcomes.

Individualised care in Flemish and Dutch hospitals: Comparing patients' and nurses' perceptions

BACKGROUND

Patient-centred care has been recognised as vital for today's healthcare quality. This type of care puts patients at the centre, contributing to positive patient outcomes such as patient autonomy. Empirical research comparing nurses' and patients' perceptions of the support and provision of patient-centred care is limited and focuses solely on nurses and patients working and staying on surgical wards.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Comparing patients' and nurses' perceptions of patient-centred care on different types of hospital wards, and exploring if patient empowerment, health literacy, and certain sociodemographic and context-related variables are associated with these perceptions.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional design.

METHODS

Data were collected in ten Flemish (February-June 2016) and two Dutch (December 2014-May 2015) hospitals using the Individualised Care Scale (ICS). A linear mixed model was fitted. Data from 845 patients and 569 nurses were analysed. As the ICS was used to measure the concept of patient-centred care, it is described using the term 'individualised care.'

RESULTS

Nurses perceived that they supported and provided individualised care more compared with patients as they scored significantly higher on the ICS compared with patients. Patients with higher empowerment scores, higher health literacy, a degree lower than bachelor, a longer hospital stay, and patients who were employed and who were admitted to Dutch hospitals scored significantly higher on some of the ICS subscales/subsections. Nurses who were older and more experienced and those working in Dutch hospitals, regional hospitals and maternity wards scored significantly higher on some of the ICS subscales/subsections.

CONCLUSION

Nurses perceived that they supported and provided individualised care more compared with patients.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Creating a shared understanding towards the support and provision of individualised care should be a priority as this could generate more effective nursing care that takes into account the individuality of the patient.

Relationship between individualized care perception and innovativeness among final-year nursing students

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between individualized care (IC) perceptions and innovativeness among final-year nursing students.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The population of this analytical study consisted of 230 students. Data were collected using a student information form (individualized care scale [ICS]-nurse version, individual innovativeness). Data analysis was carried out using descriptive, comparative, correlational, and stepwise regression analysis statistics.

FINDINGS

Nursing students had a high perception of IC and an early majority level of innovativeness. As their innovativeness levels increased, their perceptions of IC also increased. There was a positive correlation between the total ICS-A-nurse score and the individual innovativeness scale/openness to experience subscale. In regression analysis, the individual innovativeness total increased IC.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Courses and practical work should be organized for students to raise their awareness of IC and to increase their innovativeness.

Association between Turkish clinical nurses' perceptions of individualized care and empathic tendencies

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine the association between nurses' perceptions of individualized care and empathic tendencies.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 269 nurses working in Yozgat City Hospital between June 2018 and December 2018. Data were collected with the Personal Information Form, Individualized Care Scale-A-Nurse Version, Empathic Tendencies Scale. For the analysis, descriptive statistics, t test, analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation, multivariate linear regression analysis were used.

FINDINGS

Marital status, education level, length of service, clinic worked in, number of patients, and empathic tendency level was determined to be statistically significant predictive factors for nurses' perceptions of individualized care (P < .05).

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Nurse managers can organize in-service training programs to improve clinical nurses' perceptions of individualized care, empathic tendencies, and skills.

Similarities and Differences in Nurse-Reported Care Rationing Between Critical Care, Surgical, and Medical Specialties

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the similarities and differences in elements of nursing care that are commonly rationed in the critical care, medical, and surgical specialties within an acute hospital environment.

METHODS

Registered nurses who provide bedside nursing care within the medical, surgical, and critical specialties at a single center were invited to anonymously complete the self-administered MISSCARE questionnaire. The frequency of rationing for each individual care element within the 4 broader care groups (assessment, intervention-individual needs, intervention-basic care, and planning) of the MISSCARE questionnaire was determined. A mean score for each care group was also determined, and multiple regression analysis was undertaken to determine the demographic predictors of care rationing.

RESULTS

Interventions related to basic care was the most frequently rationed care group in the critical care/emergency specialty (missed care mean of 50.1%), whereas planning was the most frequently rationed care group among both the medical (missed care mean of 43.6%) and surgical (missed care mean of 44.8%) specialties. Assessment was the least frequently rationed care group among all 3 specialties (missed care mean of 19.7%-26.7%). Length of time practicing as a registered nurse was an independent predictor of care rationing in the critical care/emergency specialty, and age older than 50 was an independent predictor in the medical specialty.

CONCLUSIONS

There are numerous similarities and differences in care rationing between critical care, surgical, and medical nurses. The development and implementation of specialty-based strategies should be undertaken to reduce the incidence of nursing care rationing.

Emotions of Orthopaedic Arthroplasty Patients: A European Survey

METHODS

This was a pre/post-observational study examining patients' emotions before and during elective knee or hip replacement surgery for osteoarthritis in seven European Union countries to identify factors related to better emotional status at discharge.

INSTRUMENTS

In addition to demographic data, information was collected on quality of life (EuroQoL five-dimension questionnaire), hospital expectations (Knowledge Expectations of Hospital Patients Scale), symptoms, and experienced emotions.

ANALYSIS

Total negative emotions scores at baseline and discharge were transformed into median values. Multivariate analysis identified the baseline factors related to better emotional status at discharge.

RESULTS

Patients (n = 1,590), mean age 66.7 years (SD = 10.6), had a significant reduction in the frequency of total negative emotions at discharge as compared with baseline. The multivariate model showed better health status (odds ratio [OR] = 1.012; p = .004), better emotional status at baseline (≥24 points), and shorter duration of hospital stay (OR = 0.960; p = .011) as independent factors associated with better emotional status at discharge (OR = 4.297; p = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing elective knee or hip replacement surgery for osteoarthritis improve their emotional status during hospitalization, with fewer negative emotions at discharge. Good emotional status, feeling of higher health status at baseline, and shorter hospitalization were independently associated with better emotional status at discharge.

End-user perceptions of a patient- and family-centred intervention to improve nutrition intake among oncology patients: a descriptive qualitative analysis

Background

People with cancer are at high risk of malnutrition. Nutrition education is an effective strategy to improve patient outcomes, however, little is known regarding the impact of family and/or carer involvement in nutrition education and requires investigation. The purpose of the study was to evaluate PIcNIC (Partnering with families to promote nutrition in cancer care) intervention acceptability from the perspective of patients, families and health care providers.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative study was undertaken at an inpatient and an outpatient hospital setting in Australia and an outpatient/home setting in Hong Kong. A patient-and-family centred intervention including nutrition education, goals setting/nutrition plans, and food diaries, was delivered to patients and/or families in the inpatient, outpatient or home setting. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore perceptions of the intervention. 64 participants were interviewed; 20 patients, 15 family members, and 29 health care professionals. Data were analysed using deductive and inductive content analysis.

Results

Two categories were identified; 1) ‘context and intervention acceptability’; and 2) ‘benefits of patient- and family-centred nutrition care’. Within each category redundant concepts were identified. For category 1 the redundant concepts were: the intervention works in outpatient settings, the food diary is easy but needs to be tailored, the information booklet is a good resource, and the intervention should be delivered by a dietitian, but could be delivered by a nurse. The redundant concepts for category 2 were: a personalised nutrition plan is required, patient and family involvement in the intervention is valued and the intervention has benefits for patients and families. Converging and diverging perceptions across participant groups and settings were identified.

Conclusions

In this paper we have described an acceptable patient- and family-centred nutrition intervention, which may be effective in increasing patient and family engagement in nutrition care and may result in improved nutrition intakes. Our study highlights important contextual considerations for nutrition education; the outpatient and home setting are optimal for engaging patients and families in learning opportunities.

Patients are expecting to learn more: A longitudinal study of patients with heart failure undergoing device implantation

OBJECTIVE

To explore the educational expectations and experiences of patients with heart failure in relation to device implantation.

METHODS

In this longitudinal study, patients at six Swedish and Icelandic hospitals answered instruments about their knowledge expectations, before the device implantation, and about the knowledge they had received at two weeks, six months and 12 months after the procedure. Predictors for fulfillment of knowledge expectations were assessed with linear mixed model analysis.

RESULTS

Patients (N = 133, mean age 69.8 (±9.7) years, 80 % men) had high knowledge expectations, which for 83 % of them were unfulfilled. Predictors for fulfillment of knowledge expectations were access to knowledge from healthcare professionals (β 0.74, 95 % CI: 0.42-1.10), educational level (β -0.30, 95 % CI: -0.52 to -0.07) and knowledge expectations (β -1.03, 95 % CI: -1.30 to -0.80). Healthcare professionals were the main information source (89 %), 74 % of patients received written information, and 19 % had used the Internet.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients receive less knowledge than they expect, and individual factors and communication with healthcare professionals are related to their experience. Face-to-face is the most common method of delivering education.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Healthcare professionals should assess patients' expectations for information and consider implementing more diversity in their educational practices.

The Dutch Individualised Care Scale for patients and nurses - a psychometric validation study

Aims and objectives

Translating and psychometrically assessing the Individualised Care Scale (ICS) for patients and nurses for the Flemish and Dutch healthcare context.

Background

Individualised care interventions have positive effects on health outcomes. However, there are no valid and reliable instruments for evaluating individualised care for the Flemish and Dutch healthcare context.

Design

Psychometric validation study.

Setting and participants

In Flemish hospitals, data were collected between February and June 2016, and in Dutch hospitals, data were collected between December 2014 and May 2015. Nurses with direct patient contact and a working experience of minimum 6 months on the wards could participate. Patient inclusion criteria were being an adult, being mentally competent, having an expected hospital stay of minimum 1 day, and being able to speak and read the Dutch language. In total, 845 patients and 569 nurses were included.

Methods

The ICS was translated into Dutch using a forward–backward translation process. Minimal linguistic adaptations to the Dutch ICS were made to use the scale as a Flemish equivalent. Omega, Cronbach’s Alpha, mean inter‐item correlations and standardised subscale correlations established the reliability and confirmatory factor analysis the construct validity of the ICS.

Results

Internal consistency using Omega (Cronbach’s Alpha) ranged from 0.83 to 0.96 (0.82–0.95) for the ICS‐Nurse and from 0.88 to 0.96 (0.87–0.96) for the ICS‐Patient. Fit indices of the confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good model fit, except for the root mean square error of approximation, which indicated only moderate model fit.

Conclusion

The Dutch version of the ICS showed acceptable psychometric performance, supporting its use for the Dutch and Flemish healthcare context.

Relevance to clinical practice

Knowledge of nurses’ and patients’ perceptions on individualised care will aid to target areas in the Dutch and Flemish healthcare context in which work needs to be undertaken to provide individualised nursing care.

“We need to slowly break down this barrier”: understanding the barriers and facilitators that Afro-Caribbean undergraduates perceive towards accessing mental health services in the UK

Purpose

Undergraduates are highly susceptible to the development of mental health difficulties. Afro-Caribbean students are particularly vulnerable to the pressures of university yet are less likely than other ethnic groups to receive early intervention. This paper aims to understand the barriers and facilitators that Afro-Caribbean undergraduates perceive towards accessing mental health services in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

Critical Incident Technique was used as the qualitative method because it explores the critical factors that contribute to or detract from a specific experience. Seventeen Afro-Caribbean undergraduates participated in five focus groups. This involved engaging in a novel psychosocial activity that incorporated vignettes to encourage the identification of barriers and facilitators to service access. The data were analysed thematically to generate categories of critical incidents and wish-list items.

Findings

Analysis revealed rich data from a sub-group rarely researched within UK literature. Fifteen barriers, eleven facilitators and five wish-list items were identified. The importance of mental health literacy, social networks, cultural sensitivity and concerns surrounding services underpinned many categories.

Originality/value

Findings provide a new perspective on barriers reported in previous literature. Novel facilitators were highlighted where, although psychological and sociocultural factors were deemed valuable, structural changes were most desired. Recommended changes illustrate innovative interventions that could make services accessible for young adult Afro-Caribbean populations. Future research should explore the barriers and facilitators identified by Afro-Caribbean undergraduates across various universities who have successfully accessed and engaged with services. This could provide a holistic perspective on viable facilitators enabling access despite the presence of barriers.

Women's experiences of midwifery care immediately before and after caesarean section deliveries at a public Hospital in the Western Region of Ghana

Background

Childbirth remains a uniquely multifaceted, mental-cognitive and a major life experience to women. It is composed of a variety of psycho social and emotional aspects and creates memories, sometimes bad experiences and unmet expectations which leaves the mother with lasting scars. Therefore, this study aimed at exploring post-caesarean section delivered mothers experiences of midwifery care in a public hospital in Ghana.

Methods

This descriptive exploratory qualitative research used an interpretative approach to explore mothers’ experiences of midwifery care immediately before and after caesarean section (CS). The study employed a purposive sampling technique in recruiting 22 participants who had knowledge of the phenomenon under study. Data collection was guided by an interview guide, which involved face to face individual interviews and focus group discussion at the postnatal ward and clinic. All interviews were audio-recorded and lasted 30–40 min. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and inductive thematic data analysis employed.

Results

Four major themes emerged from the analysis of participants’ transcripts: Support by Midwives (physical and psychological, and attitude towards patients’ pain management); Protection of mothers (provision of privacy, confidentiality and physical environment); Provision of information/communication (before caesarean section, and before a minor task) and midwives’ attitude (attitude towards delivery care).

Conclusion

Mothers delivered by caesarean section had varied experiences of midwifery care which were both positive and negative ones. Provision of psychological support and adequate pain management were positive experiences. The challenges experienced were related to provision of information, privacy, and physical support. Participants, who underwent emergency CS in particular, were dissatisfied with the provision of information concerning the surgical procedure. Provision of privacy and physical support were also issues of great concern. We therefore, recommend supportive and sensitive midwifery care particularly for mothers undergoing emergency CS. Documenting women’s diverse experiences of midwifery care before and after CS delivery is important to healthcare providers, hospital managers and policy makers as the feedback garnered can be used to improve maternity services and inform decisions on midwifery care.

The association of nurse caring behaviours on missed nursing care, adverse patient events and perceived quality of care: A cross-sectional study

AIM

This study evaluated the role of nurse caring in predicting missed nursing care, adverse patient events and the quality of nursing care.

BACKGROUND

Missed nursing care is an issue essential in health care, as it is associated with adverse patient events. While studies have previously examined factors that result in missed nursing care activities and adverse events, the role of nurse caring itself in this context has not yet been explored.

METHODS

A cross-sectional research design was adopted, employing a convenience sample of 549 registered nurses from six hospitals in the Philippines identified between October 2018 and January 2019. Four self-report scales were used in this study as follows: the caring behaviour inventory, the missed nursing care scale, the adverse patient events scale and a single-item scale to measure the quality of nursing care.

RESULTS

Comforting or talking with patients and changing patients' positioning in bed were the most frequently missed care tasks, while patient/family complaints and patient/family verbal abuse were the most frequently reported adverse events. Nurse caring strongly predicted the quality of care, missed nursing care and patient adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Fostering caring behaviours among nurses has a profound effect on nurses' decision to omit or provide nursing care as well as on reducing adverse events and promoting quality nursing care.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

The adoption of strategies to improve caring behaviours among nurses is critically important to prevent or reduce the occurrence of errors and adverse events.

Nurse staffing and life expectancy at birth and at 65 years old: Evidence from 35 OECD countries

OBJECTIVE

To measure the possible magnitude of the role nurse staffing has on increasing life expectancy at birth and at 65 years old.

METHODS

The statistical technique of panel data analysis was applied to investigate the relationship from the number of practicing nurses' density per 1000 population to life expectancy at birth and at 65 years old. Five control variables were used as the proxies for the levels of medical staffing, health care financial and physical resources, and medical technology. The observations of 35 member countries of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) were collected from OECD Health Statistics over 2000-2016 period.

RESULTS

There were meaningful relationships from nurse staffing to life expectancy at birth and at 65 years with the long-run elasticities of 0.02 and 0.08, respectively. Overall, the role of nursing characteristics in increasing life expectancy indicators varied among different health care systems of OECD countries and in average were determined at the highest level in Japan (0.25), followed by Iceland (0.24), Belgium (0.21), Czech Republic (0.21), Slovenia (0.20) and Sweden (0.18).

CONCLUSION

A higher proportion of nursing staff is associated with higher life expectancy in OECD countries and the dependency of life expectancy to nursing staff would increase by aging. Hence, the findings of this study warn health policy makers about ignoring the effects nursing shortages create e.g. increasing the risk of actual age-specific mortality, especially in care of elderly people.

Patients' perception of quality of nursing care; a tertiary center experience from Ethiopia

Background

Nursing care closely influences patients' satisfaction with the overall quality of care, and the importance of measuring patient satisfaction with nursing care cannot be emphasized enough. Data are however scarce regarding patients' perception of quality of nursing care in Ethiopia. We performed this study to assess patient's perception of the quality of nursing care in a tertiary center in Ethiopia.

Methods

Data were collected prospectively using Quality of Nursing Care Questionnaires-patient of Safford & Schlotfeldt. A total of 340 patients were included using systematic random sampling and data were analyzed using SPSS for windows version- 20.

Result

The nursing care performance was highest for nurse-physician relation (mean = 3.95) and low for education and home care preparation and physical care (mean score of 2.79 and 2.89 respectively). The emotional care and nurse administration mean score were 3.5 and 3.83 respectively. The overall nursing quality was neither satisfying nor dissatisfying (mean of 3.39). While only 36% of the respondents were satisfied with the nursing care, patient education has the strongest (AOR of 7.4) association with satisfaction.

Conclusion

Patients perceived low quality of physical care, education and preparation for home care but better nurse-physician relation and nursing administration. However the overall quality measure was neither satisfying nor dissatisfying. This calls for an action from the health care administrators, educators and other stakeholders to improve the patient perception of quality nursing care.

Quality of life and satisfaction affect individualized nursing care perceptions in intensive care

This study was conducted as a cross-sectional and correlational study in order to determine the affects of quality of life and life satisfaction on individualized nursing care perceptions in intensive care patients. This study was conducted with the participation of 317 patients who were treated as inpatients in the adult intensive care units of two state hospitals between 15.02.2017-15.08.2017. The data were collected using the patient information form, SF-36 Quality of Life scale, Satisfaction with Life scale, ICS-A Patient Version and ICS-B Patient Version. The patients' mean total score of the ICS-A Patient Version was 3.5±0.7 while that of the ICS-B Patient Version 3.3±0.6, and that of the Satisfaction with Life scale was found to be 21.7±5.9. The scores of the ICS-A and ICS-B Patient Version as well as SF-36 Quality-of-Life Scale and Satisfaction with Life scalewere identified to differ depending on some sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the patients. The individualized nursing care perceptions of the patients in the intensive care unit were found to be above moderate, and a relationship between quality of life, life satisfaction, and individualized care perceptions was found.

Who is in charge of the care of patients with acute abdominal pain? An interview study with managers across the acute care chain

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

To describe managers' perspectives on the care of patients with acute abdominal pain and explore how they influence the care.

BACKGROUND

Patients with acute abdominal pain form a common group of patients who often report poor pain management. Managers are key actors in ensuring that patients receive high-quality care. This stresses the need to deepen the understanding of their perspectives on these patients, in order to provide high-quality fundamental care across the acute care chain.

DESIGN

Qualitative descriptive semi-structured interview study, with an inductive approach. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) was used.

METHODS

Individual interviews were conducted with managers (n = 17) from ambulance services, emergency departments and surgical departments at four hospitals in Sweden, representing managers at the micro- and macrolevels across the acute care chain.

RESULTS

The patient group was described as a challenging heterogeneous group, with a focus on medical care, shaped by clinical practice guidelines, for which others were responsible. Managers with a physician background expressed that nursing care was important for the outcome of the care, while managers with a nursing background focused solely on the medical care. Additionally, the managers described that they affected the care by providing resources and serving as role models.

CONCLUSIONS

The solely medical perspective is worrying. By being a stakeholder, the managers' responsibility should be to highlight the patient perspective in the care and promote and support all health professionals in redesigning the care, where achieving higher quality both in nursing and in medical care for patients with acute abdominal pain becomes a shared goal.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Managers should use their leadership to bridge the gap between medicine and nursing care by highlighting patients' need for fundamental care, and to support health professionals in providing evidence-based and high-quality care.

Analyzing economic feasibility for investing in nursing care: Evidence from panel data analysis in 35 OECD countries

Objective

To analyze economic feasibility for investing in nursing care.

Method

The number of practicing nurses’ density per 1000 population as a proxy for nursing staff and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita (current US$) were collected in 35 member countries of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) over 2000–2016 period. The statistical technique of panel data analysis including unit root test, cointegration analysis, Granger causality test, dynamic long-run model analysis and error correction model were applied to measure economic impact of nursing-related services.

Results

There was a committed bilateral relationship between nurse-staffing level and GDP with long-run magnitudes of 1.39 and 0.41 for GDP-lead-nurse and nurse-lead-GDP directions in OECD countries, respectively. Moreover, the highest long-run magnitudes of the effect nursing staff has on increasing GDP per capita were calculated in Finland (2.07), Sweden (1.92), Estonia (1.68), Poland (1.52), Czech Republic (1.48), Norway (1.47) and Canada (1.24).

Conclusion

Our findings verify that although the dependency of nursing characteristics to GDP per capita is higher than the reliance of GDP to number of nurses’ density per 1000 population, investing in nursing care is economically feasible in OECD countries i.e. nursing is not only a financial burden (or cost) on health care systems, but also an economic stimulus in OECD countries. Hence, we alert governments and policy makers about the risk of underestimating the economic impacts of nurses on economic systems of OECD countries.

Factors influencing day surgery patients' quality of postoperative recovery and satisfaction with recovery: a narrative review

The aim of healthcare services is to provide a high quality of care. One way to ensure that this aim has been fulfilled is to assess patients' satisfaction with their care. Although satisfaction is a complex concept, it is an important outcome in perioperative care. The objective of this paper is to discuss and reflect on factors that can affect patients' quality of postoperative recovery and satisfaction with recovery after day surgery. Involving patients in shared decision-making (SDM) and providing sufficient preoperative and postoperative information can improve their satisfaction. It is important to assess whether patients experience poor recovery, which can be both distressing and dissatisfying. We suggest that patients' age, sex, mental health status, and health literacy (HL) skills should be assessed preoperatively, since these factors seem to have a negative impact on patients' postoperative recovery. Identifying factors that have a negative impact on patients' quality of postoperative recovery and satisfaction with recovery after day surgery will assist healthcare professionals in supporting vulnerable patients, such as those with limited HL and poor mental health. Treating patients with respect and dignity and providing SDM can increase their quality of postoperative recovery and satisfaction with recovery.

Improved patient satisfaction 2 years after introducing person-centred handover in an oncological inpatient care setting

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To investigate patients' satisfaction with care, 2 years after the introduction of person-centred handover (PCH) in an oncological inpatient setting, and to describe patients' perceptions of individualised care.

BACKGROUND

To obtain higher levels of patient satisfaction, bedside nursing handovers have been evaluated with positive results. One such model is PCH, which blends aspects of person-centred care with the bedside report and provides the opportunity for nursing staff and patients to perform the handover together.

DESIGN

A survey-based design was used with one data collection period. Patient satisfaction scores were compared with baseline data from a previous study that has been conducted in the same wards.

METHOD

Patient satisfaction was measured with the EORTC IN-PATSAT32 questionnaire, and individualised care was assessed with the Individualized Care Scale. A total of 120 adult patients with cancer were invited to participate from August 2017-March 2018. Of these, 90 chose to participate. The STROBE checklist for cross-sectional studies was used when preparing the paper.

RESULTS

Compared to the previous study, statistically significant improvements in patient satisfaction were observed in the subscales "Exchange of information between caregivers" and "Nurses' information provision" postimplementation of PCH. Regarding patients' perceptions of individualised care, the highest scores were in the ICS-A subscale "Clinical situation" and ICS-B "Decisional control," while "Personal life situation" scored the lowest overall.

CONCLUSIONS

Person-centred handover seems to have sustainable positive effects on important outcomes regarding patient satisfaction. A novel finding is the positive impact on nurses' information provision, indicating that PCH can facilitate effective information exchange between patients and nurses.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Person-centred handover seems to improve patients' satisfaction with nurses' provision and exchange of information. Nurses and managers should carefully consider the implementation process of PCH and evaluate its long-term effects. PCH can be recommended in the oncology inpatient setting.

Concerns, coping and the electronic Holistic Needs Assessment: experiences of UK breast cancer survivors

Background

Physical and psychological concerns associated with a breast cancer diagnosis continue long after treatment. Macmillan Cancer Support developed an electronic Holistic Needs Assessment (eHNA) to help identify these concerns and allow a healthcare professional to address these as part of The Recovery Package.

Aims

The study aim was to understand the women's experiences of having breast cancer, and of completing Macmillan's eHNA as part of their care.

Methods

A qualitative approach was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 15 women, 12-18 months following surgical treatment for invasive breast cancer. Thematic analysis identified key themes.

Results

Four main themes were identified in relation to experiences of the eHNA, experiences of breast cancer, coping with breast cancer and the psychological effects of surviving. Perceptions towards the eHNA varied; some women viewed the eHNA as a research tool for hospital use rather than a beneficial aspect of their care. Several participants felt unable to raise their psychological concerns on the eHNA.

Conclusions

Although experiences differ, psychological issues remain a key factor for women with breast cancer, lasting long after treatment. The eHNA is not currently used to its potential or recognised by women as a tool to support their care. Further research is needed into how the eHNA can be used effectively to capture psychological concerns and determine best approaches to implementation of the tool to support individualised care.

Patient satisfaction: Concept analysis in the healthcare context

OBJECTIVE

Patient satisfaction had been the focus of many scientific studies worldwide. However, very few studies published had addressed the definition of the concept of patient satisfaction. Therefore this present concept analysis is to explore the attributes of the concept in the broader healthcare context.

METHODS

The Rodgers method, an inductive method of concept analysis, was selected to guide this concept analysis.

RESULTS

The attributes of patient satisfaction in the healthcare context identified were provider attitude, technical competence, accessibility, and efficacy. Perception in relation to expectation, patient demographics and personality, and market competition were regarded as prerequisites of patient satisfaction. Consequences of patient satisfaction identified in this analysis were: patient compliance, clinical outcomes, loyalty and referrals.

CONCLUSION

As healthcare is becoming an increasingly competitive marketplace, studying patient experience could certainly help practitioners to better encompass patient perspectives in service delivery and improve patient satisfaction.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

To ensure the validity of patient satisfaction measurement and subsequently improve healthcare quality, practitioners should involve patients in identifying important factors relevant to each attributes of patient satisfaction.

Antineoplastic therapy administration: Nursing intervention in the relief of suffering

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the nursing interventions with potential to act on the suffering and to evaluate the results of the nursing intervention designed. Method: We used a multi method study. After the identification of the scientific evidence and having found the supporting theory, the intervention process to relieve the suffering of hospitalized patients was modeled using the methodology of qualitative research. Then, training conditions were created for the implementation of the intervention Chemotherapy Administration as an Individualized Nursing Intervention, with a Quasi Experimental, longitudinal piloting study. Results: The patients of the experimental group showed values of suffering lower than the control group . Having finished the pilot study, we would return to qualitative research to understand the variation of some data. Final Considerations: The use of mixed methods of investigations allowed the understanding of the different components of drug chemotherapy administration as an individualized nursing intervention.

Engaging Gadamer and qualia for the mot juste of individualised care

The cornerstone of contemporary nursing practice is the provision of individualised nursing care. Sustaining and nourishing the stream of research frameworks that inform individualised care are the findings from qualitative research. At the centre of much qualitative research practice, however, is an assumption that experiential understanding can be delivered through a thematisation of meaning which, it will be argued, can lead the researcher to make unsustainable assumptions about the relations of language and meaning-making to experience. We will show that an uncritical subscription to such assumptions can undermine the researcher's capacity to represent experience at the high level of abstraction consistent with experience itself and to thus inform genuinely individualised care. Instead, using qualia as a touchstone for the possibilities of understanding and representing experience, we trace the 'designative' and 'expressive' distinction to language in order to raise critical questions concerning both these assumptions and common practices within qualitative research. Following the 'expressive' account of language, we foreground in particular the hermeneutic work of Gadamer through which we explore the possibilities for a qualitative research approach that would better seek the mot juste of individual experience and illuminate qualia in order to better inform genuinely individualised care.

An intelligent algorithm for optimizing emergency department job and patient satisfaction

Purpose Resilience engineering, job satisfaction and patient satisfaction were evaluated and analyzed in one Tehran emergency department (ED) to determine ED strengths, weaknesses and opportunities to improve safety, performance, staff and patient satisfaction. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The algorithm included data envelopment analysis (DEA), two artificial neural networks: multilayer perceptron and radial basis function. Data were based on integrated resilience engineering (IRE) and satisfaction indicators. IRE indicators are considered inputs and job and patient satisfaction indicators are considered output variables. Methods were based on mean absolute percentage error analysis. Subsequently, the algorithm was employed for measuring staff and patient satisfaction separately. Each indicator is also identified through sensitivity analysis. Findings The results showed that salary, wage, patient admission and discharge are the crucial factors influencing job and patient satisfaction. The results obtained by the algorithm were validated by comparing them with DEA. Practical implications The approach is a decision-making tool that helps health managers to assess and improve performance and take corrective action. Originality/value This study presents an IRE and intelligent algorithm for analyzing ED job and patient satisfaction - the first study to present an integrated IRE, neural network and mathematical programming approach for optimizing job and patient satisfaction, which simultaneously optimizes job and patient satisfaction, and IRE. The results are validated by DEA through statistical methods.

A multi-year SEM model predicting the impact of behavior attributes on overall patient satisfaction

Purpose

Pressure from competition; inflexible third-party reimbursements; greater demand from government, regulatory and certifying agencies; discerning patients; and the quest of healthcare entities for greater profitably place demands and high expectations for service quality impacting overall patient experience. Extending a prior multivariate, single-period model of varied medical practices predicting patient experience to a three-year time period to understand whether there was a change in overall assessment using data analytics. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

SEM was employed on a per year and aggregated, three-year basis to gain insights into qualitative psychometric constructs predicting overall patient experience and strength of the relationships.

Findings

Statistically significant differences were uncovered between years indicating the strength of the relationships of latent variables on overall performance.

Research limitations/implications

Study focused on data gathered from a questionnaire mailed to patients who visited various outpatient medical clinics in a rural community with over 4,000 responses during the three-year study period. A higher percentage of female respondents over the age of 45 may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

Practitioners can gain a broader understanding of different factors influencing overall patient experience. Administrative processes associated with the primary care provider are inconsequential. Patients are not as concerned with patient flow as they are with patient safety and health.

Originality/value

This research informs healthcare quality management of psychometrics and analytics to improve the overall patient experience in outpatient medical clinics.

Patients' characteristics informing practice: improving individualized nursing care in the radiation oncology setting

PURPOSE

A large number of patients attend for radiotherapy daily. Primary nurses in the study settings aim to individualize care for their patients. The individual characteristics of patients may determine their perceptions of nursing care, and provide guidance in tailoring their care. This study aimed to assess patients' personal characteristics on their perceptions of individualized care (IC) provided by nurses during a course of radiotherapy, and to determine predictor variables that may inform nursing practice.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, exploratory study was conducted in three radiotherapy departments in Australia. Patients (n = 250) completed the Individualized Care Scale_Patient (ICS_P). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, univariate analysis, and multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

Males reported significantly higher perceptions of IC than females in 7/9 subscales. Patients with head and neck and prostate cancer, as well as those requiring hospitalization during radiotherapy, scored significantly higher in 5/9 subscales. Courses > 30 days, those not receiving chemotherapy, and partnered patients reported greater IC across all subscales. Gender and hospitalization were the main predictor variables for IC.

CONCLUSION

Patients reported moderately high levels of IC during their radiotherapy; however, standard demographic information may provide limited insight into improving care for the individual. Patient characteristics routinely chosen, such as age, gender, and education may not predict how patients perceive their care or support the tailoring of interventions to improve IC. Researching a range of related patient characteristics may prove a more useful concept for future nursing studies aiming to predict outcomes to tailor nursing practice.

Knowledge expectations of orthopaedic patients

AIM

To describe and compare knowledge expectations and received knowledge in elective orthopaedic surgery patients.

BACKGROUND

Population aging, increasing incidence of osteoarthritis, the growing number of surgical procedures, and reduced clinical stays underline the need for a new approach to patient education.

DESIGN

This study has a descriptive, comparative design.

METHODS

Data were collected from 263 patients who had total hip and knee replacement elective surgery during 3 years (2009-2012) in 5 public hospitals in Spain. The Knowledge Expectation of Hospital Patients and the Received Knowledge of Hospital Patients Scales were used to collect data. The questionnaires were filled before hospital admission, at discharge and at follow-up 6 to 7 months later.

RESULTS

Surgical patients received less knowledge than they expected. Patients' expectations were only met in the functional dimension. At follow-up, patients reported that they perceived having acquired more knowledge during their hospital stay than they reported at the time of discharge. Knowledge expectations and knowledge received were related to employment status, gender, and previous contact experience with the hospital.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge expectations were not met, and results showed the need to improve education for orthopaedic patients throughout the perioperative process, not only during hospitalization.

Nursing Intensive-Care Satisfaction Scale [NICSS]: Development and validation of a patient-centred instrument

AIM

The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Nursing Intensive-Care Satisfaction Scale to measures satisfaction with nursing care from the critical care patient's perspective.

BACKGROUND

Instruments that measure satisfaction with nursing cares have been designed and validated without taking the patient's perspective into consideration. Despite the benefits and advances in measuring satisfaction with nursing care, none instrument is specifically designed to assess satisfaction in intensive care units.

DESIGN

Instrument development.

METHODS

The population were all discharged patients (January 2013 - January 2015) from three Intensive Care Units of a third level hospital (N = 200). All assessment instruments were given to discharged patients and 48 hours later, to analyse the temporal stability, only the questionnaire was given again. The validation process of the scale included the analysis of internal consistency, temporal stability; validity of construct through a confirmatory factor analysis; and criterion validity.

RESULTS

Reliability was 0.95. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the total scale was 0.83 indicating a good temporal stability. Construct validity showed an acceptable fit and factorial structure with four factors, in accordance with the theoretical model, being Consequences factor the best correlated with other factors. Criterion validity, presented a correlation between low and high (range: 0.42-0.68).

CONCLUSIONS

The scale has been designed and validated incorporating the perspective of critical care patients. Thanks to its reliability and validity, this questionnaire can be used both in research and in clinical practice. The scale offers a possibility to assess and develop interventions to improve patient satisfaction with nursing care.

Oral medicine modification for older adults: a qualitative study of nurses

OBJECTIVE

Oral medicines are frequently modified (eg, tablets crushed) for older adults. However, these modifications can have clinical, legal and/or ethical implications. Nurses bear responsibility for medicine administration and hence, perform these modifications. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of nurses about oral medicine modification for older adults.

DESIGN

A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with nurses providing care to older adults in acute and long-term care settings. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

SETTINGS

Sixteen purposively selected care settings; 4 acute-care and 12 long-term care settings were included. Nurses were recruited by convenience sampling at these sites.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighteen nurses participated (83% female, 67% long-term care, 33% acute-care, median age (IQR) 38 years (32.5-52.0)).

RESULTS

Three major themes: modifying-a necessary evil, nurses' role as patient advocate and modifying-we are working very much as a team and two minor themes: fractional dosing, and covert administration emerged from the data. Nurses viewed oral medicine modifications as being a routine and necessary occurrence in geriatric patient care due to limitations of available formulations and the presence of age-related challenges in drug administration. Nurses' knowledge of residents' requirements ensured that they advocate for those with individualised formulation needs, however, nurses rely on pharmacists for information about modifications. Nurses expressed a desire for supports including increased education and ward-specific, pharmacist-developed recommendations on common modifications.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has provided useful insights into the views of nurses regarding oral medicine modification for older adults. The unique and varied formulation requirements of older adults must be acknowledged. Increased engagement by healthcare professionals, the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory agencies and policy-makers is required to facilitate the development of age-appropriate formulations. In the interim, practical interventions, informed by the findings of this study, are required.

A Model for Rounding With Patients in a Psychiatric Hospital

BACKGROUND

Hourly rounding is an organized practice where nurses perform regular checks on individual patients at fixed intervals in order to elicit any information that will improve the patient's care and well-being. Weaknesses in the existing literature on rounding include a lack of focus on the nurse-patient interaction, the absence of a guiding theoretical framework, and, lastly, marginal implementation of rounding within the psychiatric setting.

PURPOSE

The intent of this paper is to address these weaknesses by describing and proposing a rounding tool, based upon the acronym ICARE, to be used in the inpatient psychiatric setting. Roach's Theory on Caring will be the theoretical underpinnings for the basis of this rounding initiative.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

It is the belief that the hourly rounding initiative will improve satisfaction and the overall quality of care for the psychiatric patient.

User satisfaction with the care of nurses

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate user satisfaction with the care of nurses.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, performed in the medical clinic of the University Hospital of UFMA/HU/UFMA, with 150 users in the period from October 2013 to August 2014, through an identification form the and Patient Satisfaction Instrument. In the data analysis, Student t test, Kruskal Wallis and Spearman Linear Correlation were used.

RESULTS

Users have reported high levels of satisfaction with all items and domains, with the highest average satisfaction related to technical and professional domain, followed by the domain trust, resulting in satisfactory internal consistency in all areas. Gender and level of education had a positive influence on patient satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

The study showed that the satisfaction of users admitted to the medical clinic is correlated with technical skills, scientific knowledge and the individualization of care provided by nurses.

Nursing actions that create a sense of good nursing care in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To identify and describe nursing actions performed by nurses that create a sense of good nursing care in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration.

BACKGROUND

People who suffer from wet age-related macular degeneration risk central vision loss. Treatment with antivascular endothelial growth factor is the only available option at present that preserves vision and no definitive cure currently exists. Patients feel that they are compelled to accept this treatment because they might otherwise become blind.

DESIGN

An explorative and descriptive design based on the critical incident technique was used.

METHOD

Interviews with 16 Swedish patients who all had received intravitreal treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration.

RESULTS

Two main areas of good nursing care were identified: 'Being perceived as an individual' and 'Being empowered'. The first area was divided into two categories: being respectful and being engaged. Being respectful was observed when nurses had a benevolent attitude towards their patients and answered questions kindly and politely. Patients saw themselves as individuals when nurses were available for conversation and focused on them. The second area was divided into two categories: encouraging participation and creating confidence. Encouraging participation refers to when nurses provided information continuously. Nurses instilled confidence and trust in their patients by keeping promises and by being honest.

CONCLUSIONS

A respectful interaction between patients and caregivers is necessary for patients to obtain beneficial health care.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Patient interviews revealed important information about nursing actions that created a sense of good nursing care in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration. Nurses acknowledged people as individuals and created trust by building partnerships and sharing decision-making. To address each patient's concerns, nurses need to prioritise each patient's narrative and participation by documenting agreements in their medical record.

Nursing care missed in patients at risk of or having pressure ulcers

Objective:

to determine the nursing care missed as perceived by the nursing staff and its relation with the nursing care missed identified in the assessment of patients at risk of or having pressur ulcers.

Method:

descriptive correlation study. The participants were 161 nurses and 483 patients from a public hospital. The MISSCARE survey was used in combination with a Nursing Care Assessment Form for Patients at Risk of or having pressure ulcers. For the analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics were used.

Results:

the nursing staff indicated greater omission in skin care (38.5%), position change (31.1%) and the registration of risk factors for the development of pressure ulcers (33.5%). The nursing care missed identified in the assessment related to the use of pressure relief on bony prominences and drainage tubes interfering in the patient's movements (both with 58.6%) and the use of pneumatic mattresses (57.6%).

Conclusion:

a high percentage of nursing care missed was found according to the staff's perception. Nevertheless, the assessment of the nursing care missed was much higher. No significant relation was found between both. Therefore, it is a priority to reflect on the importance of objective patient assessments.