Understanding Nursing Staff Perspectives on Fluid Balance Charting: A Nordic Focus Group Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Fluid balance charting quality is often suboptimal, with inconsistent success of improvement initiatives.
• Nursing staff perspectives on fluid balance charting are underexplored, particularly in Nordic countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore nursing staff experiences with fluid balance charting in Denmark and Sweden.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive qualitative study utilizing semi-structured focus group interviews.
• Involved nurses and healthcare assistants from diverse clinical settings in Denmark and Sweden.
• Phenomenological-hermeneutic analysis inspired by Paul Ricoeur.

Main Results:

• A discrepancy exists between the perceived importance and actual accuracy of fluid balance charting.
• Staff recognize charting's impact on patient outcomes but feel charting is beyond their control due to multiple personnel and high patient-nurse ratios.
• Clear routines, established responsibilities, and digital technologies were suggested to improve charting quality and ease workflows.

Conclusions:

• Fluid balance charting is considered essential for reducing mortality and morbidity, yet often inaccurate due to lack of nursing staff control.
• Enhancing charting accuracy requires clear responsibilities, standardized routines, and integration of digital technologies.