Nurse-Perceived Patient Adverse Events depend on Nursing Workload

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Practice
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Nursing workload is a critical factor influencing healthcare quality and patient outcomes.
• Understanding the relationship between workload and adverse events is essential for improving patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between nursing workload and nurse-perceived patient adverse events in South Korean hospitals.
• To identify specific workload indicators associated with increased risk of patient harm.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted with 1,816 nurses from 23 tertiary general hospitals in South Korea.
• Multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the collected data on nursing workload and patient adverse events.

Main Results:

• Performing non-nursing tasks was associated with higher odds of falls (OR=1.31), nosocomial infections (OR=1.23), pressure sores (OR=1.16), and medication errors (OR=1.23).
• A higher nurse-to-bed ratio increased the likelihood of pressure sores (OR=1.35).
• Perceived sufficient nursing workforce was linked to fewer pressure sores (OR=0.78) and lower medication error rates in hospitals (OR=0.28).

Conclusions:

• Increased nursing workload in South Korea is associated with a higher incidence of patient adverse events.
• Reducing non-nursing tasks and ensuring adequate nursing staff are crucial for mitigating patient harm.