Research Questions and Hypothesis Creating a quality care index and comparing different units and hospitals results pertaining to their pressure ulcer and fall rates guided the study. It was hypothesized that a higher percentage of unit registered nurses with baccalaureate in nursing or higher degree, certified nurses in a specialty area, and registered nurse skill mix would be associated with higher Pressure Ulcer and Fall Rate composite scores. Among other hypotheses, was a higher percentage of unit patients at risk for hospital acquired pressure ulcer and higher unit restraint rate, will be linked to lower unit index scores.
Variables
The study included “Select unit-level nursing characteristics and processes known to be associated with nursing care quality were chosen from the NDNQI database for the Pressure Ulcer and Fall Rate Quality Composite Index validation process” (Boyle, Burman, 2013). In this study, the measurements were focused on pressure ulcer and fall risk rates based on different units and skill mixes. The conceptual definition would be the need for a holistic measuring of hospital acquired …show more content…
Falls and pressure ulcers are nursing sensitive outcomes which makes this review very meaningful to the nursing community. From an administrative standpoint, it may show the need to increase better quality indicators and standards, as well as how to structure a unit based on registered nurse hours and qualifications. The article brings light to the possible need for a less individualized approach to nursing quality. Rather, it is a broad field with many intertwined factors. Specifically, to this study, it shows a possible correlation to nurses with different skill mixes, higher degree levels, and national certification, and higher registered nurses hour per day, leading to lower instances of hospital acquired pressure ulcers and falls. This may prove to be significant in nursing for a need to restructure units to increase patient outcomes and
Variables
The study included “Select unit-level nursing characteristics and processes known to be associated with nursing care quality were chosen from the NDNQI database for the Pressure Ulcer and Fall Rate Quality Composite Index validation process” (Boyle, Burman, 2013). In this study, the measurements were focused on pressure ulcer and fall risk rates based on different units and skill mixes. The conceptual definition would be the need for a holistic measuring of hospital acquired …show more content…
Falls and pressure ulcers are nursing sensitive outcomes which makes this review very meaningful to the nursing community. From an administrative standpoint, it may show the need to increase better quality indicators and standards, as well as how to structure a unit based on registered nurse hours and qualifications. The article brings light to the possible need for a less individualized approach to nursing quality. Rather, it is a broad field with many intertwined factors. Specifically, to this study, it shows a possible correlation to nurses with different skill mixes, higher degree levels, and national certification, and higher registered nurses hour per day, leading to lower instances of hospital acquired pressure ulcers and falls. This may prove to be significant in nursing for a need to restructure units to increase patient outcomes and