An evaluation of the quality of nursing received by patients in selected hospital wards

Abstract

This is a descriptive study of patient care in six selected adult wards of a 200C-bed academic hospital. The observational method was used, and the Quality Patient Care Scale (Qualpacs), designed to measure the quality of nursing received by patients while the care is in progress, was the instrument used. The objectives of the study wc.e: (1) to accumulate quantitative and qualitative data in order to identify the nature of the patient care activities and to form an opinion about the quality of care; (ii) to evaluate the measuring instrument. The observations were carried out in 3 surgical and 3 medical wards over 6 weeks, with 3 consecutive midweek mornings spent in each ward. The 2 hour observation periods were 8h00-10h00 and I0h30-12h30. Altogether 54 patients were observed, and II repeat observations were carried out, giving a total of 65 observations. Co-observers concurrently observed 4 3 of them. A considerable amount of data was collected. This was processed to produce information about the nature of the patient care activities, the time fluctuations of the activities, and the caregiver involvement in them. The Qualpacs scale yielded scores which were used to form an opinion about the standard of care. Computer analyses were included in this aspect of the data processing. In addition, tests were carried out to assess the reliability of the scale. From the data the candidate was able to draw conclusions about the nature of the patient care activities, the time and caregiver dimensions of care, and the standard of care. She also evaluated the research Instrument, and made recommendations for its future use in the hospital setting.