Nurse-Perceived Patient Adverse Events depend on Nursing Workload
10.1016/j.phrp.2015.10.015
- Author:
Jeong-Hee KANG
1
;
Chul-Woung KIM
;
Sang-Yi LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Nursing Science, Youngdong University, Youngdong, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives
2016;7(1):56-62
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between nursing workload and nurse-perceived patient adverse events.
Methods:A total of 1,816 nurses working in general inpatient units of 23 tertiary general hospitals in South Korea were surveyed, and collected data were analyzed through multilevel logistic regression analysis.
Results:Among variables related to nursing workload, the non-nursing task experience had an influence on all four types of patient adverse events. Nurses with non-nursing tasks experienced patient adverse events—falls [odds ratio (OR) = 1.31], nosocomial infections (OR = 1.23), pressure sores (OR = 1.16), and medication errors (OR = 1.23)—more often than occasionally. In addition, when the bed to nurse ratio was higher, nurses experienced cases of pressure sores more often (OR = 1.35). By contrast, nurses who said the nursing workforce is sufficient were less likely than others to experience cases of pressure sores (OR = 0.78). Hospitals with a relatively high proportion of nurses who perceived the nursing workforce to be sufficient showed a low rate of medication error (OR = 0.28).
Conclusion:The study suggested that the high level of nursing workload in South Korea increases the possibility of patient adverse events.
