What Is 'Missed Nursing Care' During an Emerging Infectious Disease? A Concept Analysis

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Healthcare Quality
• Infectious Disease Management

Background:

• Missed nursing care (MNC) is a key indicator of nursing quality.
• A precise definition of MNC during emerging infectious diseases is lacking.
• COVID-19 highlighted the need to define MNC in crisis situations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a comprehensive, evidence-based definition of missed nursing care.
• To explore the dimensions and clinical features of MNC during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Integrative concept analysis using Walker and Avant's approach.
• Extensive literature review across multiple databases (CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar) from December 2019 to April 2024.
• Textual analysis using inductive and deductive approaches, adhering to SRQR checklist.

Main Results:

• MNC during infectious diseases involves suboptimal, prioritized, and interrupted nursing activities requiring close patient contact.
• Contributing factors include disease complexity, resource shortages (human and material), and communication challenges.
• These essential care activities encompass supportive, psychological-social, and basic bedside care.

Conclusions:

• Missed nursing care during emerging infectious diseases can be defined as disrupted nursing care (DNC).
• DNC results from altered nurse role adjustment, time management, and care environment issues.
• The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a significant disruptor, emphasizing the need for future healthcare crisis preparedness.