Literature Evaluation Table 2

Literature Evaluation Table2literature Evaluation Table

Identify the core assignment question: reviewing multiple studies on nurse staffing ratios and their impact on patient care quality in hospitals and nursing homes. The task involves summarizing these studies' methodologies, findings, and relevance to evidence-based practice (EBP) and a capstone project, with a focus on how nurse staffing influences patient outcomes.

Paper For Above instruction

The critical importance of nurse staffing ratios in healthcare settings has garnered extensive scholarly attention due to its significant implications for patient outcomes and safety. A comprehensive understanding of existing literature aids in shaping evidence-based policies and practices that optimize care delivery. This paper systematically reviews eight peer-reviewed articles that examine various dimensions of nurse staffing, including skill mix, ratios, staffing methodologies, work environment influences, and their collective impact on patient outcomes across hospitals and nursing homes.

In the article by Bridges et al. (2019), the authors conducted an observational study to explore the relationship between hospital nurse staffing and staff-patient interactions. The study, set in six wards of two NHS hospitals in England, employed a quantitative design using multilevel regression models to analyze data from 238 hours of staff-patient observation and 270 patients. Key findings indicated that higher nurse staffing levels correlated with more positive staff-patient interactions, which are essential for improved patient outcomes. The study concluded that increasing the number of registered nurses enhances the quality and quantity of interactions, ultimately promoting better care quality.

Cho et al. (2015) examined the effects of nurse staffing, environment, and education levels on patient mortality in their observational study involving data from 14 high-technology hospitals in South Korea. Utilizing regression analysis, they found that adequate staffing and a supportive work environment significantly reduced mortality rates. The study emphasized the importance of investing in nursing education and adequate staffing to improve patient survival, highlighting a direct link between staffing ratios and clinical outcomes.

Similarly, Cho et al. (2020) sought to determine optimal nurse staffing by classifying patients based on their nursing care needs. This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design, analyzing data from hospital records and patient care classifications. Results demonstrated that tailored staffing according to patient needs can help optimize resource allocation and improve care quality. The authors advocate for staffing models that consider patient complexity, reinforcing the notion that a one-size-fits-all approach may be inadequate.

Driscoll et al. (2018) performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the effect of nurse-to-patient ratios on nurse-sensitive outcomes in acute specialist units. Their analysis of multiple studies revealed that higher staffing ratios are associated with reductions in adverse outcomes such as mortality, medical errors, and hospital-acquired infections. They recommended policies to maintain safe staffing levels, emphasizing that adequate staffing improves patient safety and nurse satisfaction.

The article by Needleman (2016) focused on nursing skill mix and its impact on patient outcomes. This review of empirical studies concluded that a greater proportion of registered nurses in staffing mixes is linked to better patient outcomes, including lower mortality and failure-to-rescue rates. The paper underscored the importance of appropriate skill mix in staffing to ensure high-quality care and outcomes.

Olley et al. (2019) conducted a systematic review evaluating mandated nurse staffing ratios in acute hospitals. Their synthesis of evidence indicated that mandated ratios generally lead to improvements in patient outcomes like reduced mortality and length of stay. However, they also noted challenges related to staffing shortages and resource allocation, advocating for robust staffing policies supported by empirical evidence.

Shin et al. (2018) carried out a meta-analysis investigating the relationship between nurse staffing levels and nurse outcomes, such as burnout and job dissatisfaction. Findings consistently showed that higher staffing ratios are associated with reduced burnout, improved job satisfaction, and lower turnover rates among nurses. These results support the broader premise that adequate staffing benefits both nurses and patients, enhancing overall healthcare quality.

Finally, Song et al. (2020) examined the influence of the work environment on missed and rushed care tasks among nursing aides in nursing homes. Their cross-sectional study found that favorable work environments, supported by sufficient staffing levels, significantly decreased missed care and rushing tasks. The authors highlight that an optimal staffing ratio, coupled with a positive work environment, is vital for ensuring comprehensive patient care in long-term settings.

Collectively, these studies provide compelling evidence that adequate nurse staffing—whether measured by ratios, skill mix, or tailored to patient needs—positively impacts patient safety, quality of care, and nurse well-being. They reinforce the critical role of policy initiatives aimed at establishing safe staffing standards as a foundational element of high-quality healthcare. For evidence-based practice and capstone projects, integrating these findings underscores the necessity of advocating for staffing models that prioritize patient safety and holistic care outcomes. Implementing adjusted staffing strategies based on robust empirical data can address healthcare disparities and foster a culture of safety and excellence in nursing practice.

References

  • Bridges, J., Griffiths, P., Oliver, E., & Pickering, R. M. (2019). Hospital nurse staffing and staff–patient interactions: an observational study. BMJ Quality & Safety, 28(9), bmjqs-2018-008396.https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2018-008396
  • Cho, E., Sloane, D. M., Kim, E.-Y., Kim, S., Choi, M., Yoo, I. Y., Lee, H. S., & Aiken, L. H. (2015). Effects of nurse staffing, work environments, and education on patient mortality: An observational study. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 52(2), 535–542. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2014.10.009
  • Cho, S.-H., Lee, J.-Y., Hong, K. J., Yoon, H.-J., Sim, W.-H., Kim, M.-S., & Huh, I. (2020). Determining Nurse Staffing by Classifying Patients Based on their Nursing Care Needs. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration, 26(1), 42–52. https://doi.org/10.11111/jkana.2020.26.1.42
  • Driscoll, A., Grant, M. J., Carroll, D., Dalton, S., Deaton, C., Jones, I., Lehwaldt, D., McKee, G., Munyombwe, T., & Astin, F. (2018). The effect of nurse-to-patient ratios on nurse-sensitive patient outcomes in acute specialist units: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 17(1), 6–22. https://doi.org/10.1177/1474515117710073
  • Needleman, J. (2016). Nursing skill mix and patient outcomes. BMJ Quality & Safety, 26(7), 525–528. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2015-004521
  • Olley, R., Edwards, I., Avery, M., & Cooper, H. (2019). Systematic review of the evidence related to mandated nurse staffing ratios in acute hospitals. Australian Health Review, 43(3), 288–297. https://doi.org/10.1071/AH18052
  • Shin, S., Park, J.-H., & Bae, S.-H. (2018). Nurse staffing and nurse outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nursing Outlook, 66(3), 273–282. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2017.11.008
  • Song, Y., Hoben, M., Norton, P., & Estabrooks, C. A. (2020). Association of Work Environment with Missed and Rushed Care Tasks Among Care Aides in Nursing Homes. JAMA Network Open, 3(1), e1917923. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.17923

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