Burden of nursing care: a concept analysis

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Concept Analysis

Background:

• The burden of nursing care lacks a clear theoretical definition.
• Existing research links it to decreased care quality, increased adverse events, and staff health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the concept of 'burden of nursing care' by analyzing its attributes, factors, antecedents, and consequences.
• Establish a comprehensive understanding of nursing care burden.

Main Methods:

• Concept analysis utilizing Walker and Avant's methodological framework.
• Examination of the concept's defining characteristics and attributes.

Main Results:

• Nursing care burden is defined as the imbalance between patient needs and available nursing time for direct care, management, and education.
• Patient factors (dependency) and resource availability significantly influence the burden.

Conclusions:

• Effective nursing care burden management requires patient-centered approaches and adequate resources.
• Nurse leadership, competencies, and institutional flexibility are crucial for mitigating burden and preventing adverse outcomes.