Chapters authored
Congruence of Nurse Staffing and Activities with Patient Needs
This study aimed to discover the correlation between patient satisfaction with nursing care activities and staffing patterns. The research was conducted at the medical ward of a secondary care regional hospital in Slovenia over one month. Data was collected with regard to the following: (1) patients cared for daily and number of hours/patients day at the ward level, (2) patient needs (using a classification system), (3) nurse activities as observed at 10-minute intervals, and (4) the Patient Perception of Hospital Experience with Nursing tool. A total of 218 patients were involved, and their satisfaction with nursing care was found to be high. Patient satisfaction was negatively correlated with the number of patients cared for at the unit daily, but positively with the number of care hours per patient day, the proportion of registered nurses in the nursing team, the realized percentage of the registered nurse personnel requirements, and with some direct care activities. The correlation also revealed three process items (undivided attention, explanation, and things are done without asking) being the special strengths of nursing care activities. The results show that nurse-staffing and process patterns affect patient experience. It is thus recommended to increase the amount of nursing care offered by registered nurses, while nurses’ competences can affect the process of care, and thus patient satisfaction.
Part of the book: Medical Education for the 21st Century
Competence of Healthcare Employees in Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Care
A pressure ulcer, from its inception, represents a multifaceted challenge, encompassing health, social, and financial dimensions, thereby deteriorating the patient’s overall quality of life. The mitigation of pressure ulcers commences with a methodical evaluation of the dermal condition of individuals deemed at considerable risk. This proactive approach includes vigilant skin care, the utilization of appropriately designed support surfaces, and the regular repositioning of affected patients. This investigation’s main aim is to assess the proficiency of healthcare personnel in pressure ulcer prevention and treatment within the inpatient context. This empirical study featured the participation of 115 healthcare practitioners employed at Nova Gorica General Hospital. The research instrument employed in this inquiry was an adapted questionnaire derived from the work of Pieper Zulkowski, which incorporated 83 items encompassing preventive strategies, wound characteristics, and wound stage categorization. The amassed data were subjected to statistical analysis using IBM SPSS version 29. The internal consistency reliability, as measured by Cronbach’s alpha, for the comprehensive questionnaire was proven at 0.913. However, it is unmistakably evident that a pressing need for continuous and systematic educational interventions concerning pressure ulcer management remains essential and indispensable for healthcare professionals.
Part of the book: Nursing Studies - A Path to Success [Working title]