Factors Influencing RNs' Perceptions of Quality Geriatric Care in Rural Hospitals

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Research

Background:

• The global population is aging rapidly, increasing demand for hospital services.
• Rural hospitals face unique challenges in delivering quality care to older adults.
• The hospital work environment significantly impacts the quality of patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the influence of the work environment on registered nurses' (RNs') perception of geriatric care quality in rural hospitals.
• To identify key factors within the rural hospital work environment that affect geriatric care delivery.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory mixed-methods research design.
• Qualitative data collection through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with RNs.
• Quantitative data collection via questionnaires assessing the RN work environment.

Main Results:

• Four emergent themes: collegial RN relationships, poor staffing/utilization, technology benefits/challenges, and RN-physician interactions.
• These factors were identified as critical influences on the perceived quality of geriatric care.
• Rural hospital work environments appear suboptimal for effective geriatric care.

Conclusions:

• Rural hospital work environments require redesign to improve geriatric care quality.
• Targeted interventions focusing on identified environmental factors are necessary.
• Enhancing the quality of care for hospitalized older adults in rural settings is a priority.