There is strong evidence to show that lower nurse staffing levels in hospitals are associated with worse patient outcomes. In a cross-sectional survey of 2917 registered nurses working in 401 general medical/surgical wards in England, most nurses (86%) reported that one or more care activity had been left undone due to lack of time on their last shift. Most frequently left undone were: comforting or talking with patients (66%), educating patients (52%) and developing/updating nursing care plans (47%).
Discussion question:
What are your feelings about care left undone and its impact on patient safety?
How would omitting patient education and updating nursing care plans affect the overall health of the patient once they are discharged?
Identify one National Patient Safety Goal (i.e. NPSG.01.01.01) and discuss how it could be applied to help prevent medication errors or environment safety issues.
https://www.jointcommission.org/-/media/tjc/documents/standards/national-patient-safety-goals/2021/npsg_chapter_hap_jan2021.pdf