Patterns and correlates of missed nursing care in inpatient oncology units

Missed nursing care influences the quality of hospital care, yet this problem has not been explored in the oncology setting, nor are the correlates of missed nursing care in inpatient oncology settings understood.

We examined the frequency of missed care in oncology units, differences in missed care between oncology and non-oncology units, and the relationship between unit staffing and missed care.

We performed secondary analysis of survey data collected in 2008 to 2009 across 9 hospitals. The MISSCARE Survey was administered to nurses and medical assistants employed in 62 units (n = 2318). Descriptive statistics and linear regression were used to examine the frequency of missed care, differences between oncology (n = 12) and non-oncology units (n=50), and the relationship between unit staffing and missed care.

Oncology nursing unit personnel reported ambulation, care conference attendance, and mouth care as most frequently missed. Oncology units had significantly lower missed care than did non-oncology units (P < .05). Higher patient assignments were associated with an increase in reported missed care (P < .05).

Missed care is a problem shared by inpatient oncology and non-oncology units. Missed ambulation and mouth care are worrisome, given their importance to oncology patients. Suboptimal staffing increases missed care.

These data motivate quality improvement and evidence-based management. Clinicians can strategize to ensure patients receive adequate ambulation and mouth care. Managers can use our findings to support the importance of stable nurse staffing to reduce untoward patient outcomes.