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Care planning in the emergency department
Mary E Dunnion1, Miriam Griffin
1Department of Nursing and Health Studies, Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Co. Donegal, Ireland. mary.dunnion@lyit.ie
International Emergency Nursing
|April 13, 2010
Summary
Emergency department nurses value nursing care plans for improving patient care and communication. Further education and research are needed to optimize their use for diverse patient groups.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Healthcare Management
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Emergency departments face significant challenges including overcrowding and long patient wait times.
- Despite high demands, meticulous nursing care assessment, planning, and documentation are crucial.
- This study addresses the need to understand staff attitudes towards nursing care plans in this demanding environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the attitudes of emergency department nursing staff towards the utilization of nursing care plans.
- To identify perceived benefits and barriers associated with implementing care plans in emergency settings.
Main Methods:
- A survey approach was used with a sample of 38 nursing staff from a single regional general hospital's emergency department in Ireland.
- Standardized questionnaires with open and closed questions were administered.
- Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, and qualitative data from open-ended questions were thematically analyzed.
Main Results:
- Respondents valued nursing care plans, recognizing their contribution to holistic care, increased nurse-patient interaction, and improved communication.
- Key areas identified for improvement include the need for continuing education and further research.
- Specific patient groups, such as pediatrics, minor injuries, mental health, and the elderly, require tailored approaches within care plans.
Conclusions:
- Nursing care plans are perceived as beneficial by emergency department staff.
- There is a clear need for ongoing education and research to enhance the effective implementation of care plans.
- Addressing the unique needs of various patient populations within the emergency department is essential for optimizing care plan utility.
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