Hello, I have attached my previous paper, and a rubric; please include 1-2 new references. Topic: Inadequate Nursing Staff(Nurse to Patient Ratio's) : Main focus is : The problem in units that are un

Inadequate Nursing Staff

Name

University

NR 449: Evidence-Based Practice

Professor Schneider

Date

Inadequate Nursing Staff

Inadequate nursing staff has emerged as a significant problem in the modern healthcare systems worldwide. The availability of sufficient qualified nurses has become urgent due to the increasing complexity of patient requirements, the rising demand for healthcare, and the persistent workforce challenges. Insufficient nursing staffing levels can negatively impact patient safety, the quality of care, and the overall operation of healthcare organizations. By reviewing the current research and literature on inadequate nursing staff, we can better understand its impact on healthcare delivery and identify evidence-based solutions to increase personnel levels and improve patient outcomes.

Significance of the Problem

In the healthcare industry, the problem of insufficient nursing personnel cannot be overemphasized. Inadequate personnel levels have far-reaching effects on patient safety, care quality, and the welfare of healthcare professionals. According to Griffiths and associates when there is a shortage of nurses, the workload and stress of the existing personnel increase (2018). Long hours, continuous demands, and limited breaks can lead to fatigue, making it challenging for nurses to perform optimally. Insufficient nursing staff has been associated with medication errors, delayed treatments, and decreased patient satisfaction (Griffiths et al., 2019). In addition, studies have shown a correlation between higher nurse-to-patient ratios and increased mortality rates and adverse events (Griffiths et al., 2018). Therefore, addressing the issue of insufficient nursing personnel is essential for ensuring safe and effective care delivery.

In addition to affecting patient outcomes, inadequate nursing personnel presents multiple challenges to healthcare organizations. Due to overtime wages, agency staff utilization, and recruitment efforts, understaffing can increase expenses. The shortage of available nurses can burden healthcare budgets and restrict funding for other essential services. Inadequate staffing levels also contribute to decreased job satisfaction and increased nurse turnover rates (Griffiths et al., 2019). The high demands and tension caused by staffing shortages can result in dissatisfaction with one's job, burnout, and a decline in nursing care quality. Retaining experienced nurses is essential for preserving institutional knowledge and ensuring care continuity. The solution to the problem of insufficient nursing staff requires strategic planning, policy modifications, and investments in recruitment, education, and retention strategies to guarantee a sustainable nursing workforce.

PICOT Question

In support of the group's topic, the following PICOT question is proposed:

In acute care settings, what are the effects of inadequate nursing staff on patient outcomes, including patient safety, quality of care, and mortality rates, compared to adequate nursing staff levels?

Purpose of the Paper

This paper examines the effects of insufficient nursing personnel on patient outcomes in acute care settings. This research will explore the relationship between staffing levels and patient outcomes, including patient safety, care quality, and mortality rates. This paper seeks to provide a deeper understanding of how insufficient nursing staff can affect patient outcomes in acute care settings by systematically reviewing the relevant literature and conducting a thorough analysis. This study's findings will contribute to the existing corpus of knowledge by shedding light on the consequences of insufficient nursing staff and highlighting the importance of ensuring adequate staffing levels to improve patient safety and overall healthcare quality. The ultimate objective is to provide evidence-based insights that can inform healthcare policies, practices, and decision-making to improve patient outcomes and facilitate the delivery of safe and effective care in acute care settings.

Levels of Evidence

Depending on the research question and available resources, various pieces of evidence can be examined to determine the effect of insufficient nursing staff on patient outcomes in acute care settings. Ideally, valuable insights would be provided by high-quality studies such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or well-designed observational studies. RCTs permit controlled interventions and random assignment of participants, enabling researchers to evaluate the causal connection between nursing staff levels and patient outcomes. However, conducting RCTs in this context may take time due to ethical and practical considerations. Without randomized controlled trials, well-designed prospective or retrospective cohort studies, case-control studies, or quasi-experimental designs can provide helpful evidence (Griffiths et al., 2019). In addition, systematic reviews or meta-analyses that synthesize existing studies can offer a comprehensive overview of the effects of insufficient nursing staff on patient outcomes. The relationship between nursing staff levels and patient outcomes in acute care settings will be better understood through a combination of diverse study designs and a critical evaluation of the evidence.

Search Strategy

Utilizing the CU library databases and focusing specifically on the identified PICOT query resulted in pertinent articles being retrieved. The following search terms were used during the investigation: “Inadequate staffing and mortality rates in acute care”, “Impact of insufficient nursing staff on patient outcomes”, “Nurse staffing shortages and patient outcomes in acute care”, “Inadequate nursing staff and quality of care in acute settings”, and “Insufficient nursing staff and adverse patient outcomes”. The search utilized multiple databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. A comprehensive collection of articles from the medical, nursing, and public health fields was obtained by combining the aforementioned databases. During the search procedure, decisions were made to limit the results and collect an appropriate number of articles for evaluation. Ensured that the information collected was current and relevant; the scope of the search was restricted to articles published within the past five years. In addition, the choice of research was made based on their principal focus being on inadequate nursing personnel and the impact on patient outcomes in acute care settings.

Relevant Articles

Griffiths et al. (2019) released a publication entitled “Nurse staffing, nursing assistants and hospital mortality: Retrospective Longitudinal Cohort Study” which is considered relevant to the current topic. The published article examines the relationship between hospital mortality rates, nurse staffing levels, and the presence of nursing aids. The study employs a retrospective longitudinal cohort design to assess the influence of personnel variables on patient outcomes. The study's findings shed light on the relationship between nurse staffing levels, the availability of nursing assistants, and hospital mortality rates (Griffiths et al., 2019). The article contributes to the existing literature on the significance of nurse staffing in assuring patient safety. It highlights the potential effects of staffing factors on patient outcomes in hospital settings.

The following scholarly publication is called “The association between nurse staffing and omissions in nursing care: A systematic review” contributed by Griffiths et al. (2018). The study investigates the correlation between nurse staffing levels and neglected nursing care. It highlights the importance of nurse personnel in ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and timely care. Through a systematic review, the authors examine the existing literature and assess the evidence regarding the impact of personnel levels on the provision of nursing care. The findings highlight the relationship between inadequate personnel and the increased likelihood of missed care, which can have detrimental effects on patient outcomes and care quality (Griffiths et al., 2018). This systematic review contributes to the expanding corpus of knowledge regarding the significance of nurse staffing in preserving the safety and well-being of patients.

Conclusion

Collectively, the two studies, "Nurse staffing, nursing assistants, and hospital mortality: Retrospective Longitudinal Cohort Study" by Griffiths et al. (2019) and "The association between nurse staffing and omissions in nursing care: A systematic review" by Griffiths et al. (2018); highlight the significant impact of inadequate nursing staff on patient outcomes in healthcare settings. The results of both studies emphasize the importance of nurse staffing levels to patient safety and the delivery of quality care. The retrospective longitudinal cohort study by Griffiths et al. (2019) demonstrates an alarming association between reduced nurse staffing and higher hospital mortality rates, highlighting the adverse effects of inadequate staffing on patient outcomes. Similarly, the systematic review conducted by Griffiths et al. (2018) demonstrates a clear association between insufficient staffing and the occurrence of missed nursing care, which can have detrimental impacts on patient health. These studies highlight the urgent need for adequate nurse staffing to ensure optimal patient outcomes and provide valuable insights into the significance of addressing staffing issues within healthcare systems. In acute care settings, it is crucial to resolve insufficient nursing staffing levels in order to improve patient safety, care quality, and ultimately patient outcomes.

References

Griffiths, P., Maruotti, A., Saucedo, A. R., Redfern, O. C., Ball, J. E., Briggs, J., Dall’Ora, C., Schmidt, P. E., & Smith, G. B. (2019, August 1). Nurse staffing, nursing assistants and hospital mortality: Retrospective Longitudinal Cohort Study. BMJ Quality & Safety. https://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/28/8/609

Griffiths, P., Recio-Saucedo, A., Dall'Ora, C., Briggs, J., Maruotti, A., Meredith, P., Smith, G. B., Ball, J., & Missed Care Study Group (2018). The association between nurse staffing and omissions in nursing care: A systematic review. Journal of advanced nursing, 74(7), 1474–1487. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13564