Nursing surveillance: A concept analysis.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Patient Safety
• Clinical Decision Making

Background:

• Nursing surveillance is defined as the purposeful and ongoing acquisition, interpretation, and synthesis of patient data.
• It is crucial for informed clinical decision-making and enhancing patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a framework for assessing and evaluating nursing surveillance.
• To analyze the concept of nursing surveillance and its attributes.

Main Methods:

• Literature search conducted across CINAHL, OVID, EmCare, and ScienceDirect databases.
• Concept analysis using the Walker and Avant method.

Main Results:

• Nursing surveillance involves a systematic process, pattern recognition, coordinated communication, anticipation of instability, and decision-making.
• Antecedents include nurse education, expertise, staffing, and supportive organizational culture.
• Enhanced patient safety and reduced adverse events are outcomes of effective nursing surveillance.

Conclusions:

• Nursing surveillance is vital for managing complex patient cases safely.
• It is more than monitoring; incorporating key attributes improves patient outcomes.
• While complex, its attributes and outcomes can be measured to enhance care.