Quality nursing care survey, 1988-1990

In a quality nursing care survey conducted in Israel, 1988-1990, the four nursing process components were examined. The survey covered 13 hospitals with 119 medical and surgical wards, in which the nursing care quality for a sample of 2065 patients was assessed. Instruments used were (a) the Patient Classification Form, to assess patient dependency level, and (b) Monitor--an index of the quality of nursing care for acute medical and surgical wards [Goldstone et al., Polytechnic Products, Newcastle upon Tyne, 1982], a British adaptation of the Rush Medicus methodology [Jelinek et al., US Dept of Health, Education and Welfare, 1974]. The survey process involved orientation of the hospitals' senior staff, and training of participants in the administration of patient classification and of Monitor. The highest quality nursing care was found in "Meeting the patient's physical needs"; the lowest in "Assessment and planning of patient care". Factors chosen for possible influence on quality of nursing care were: patient dependency category, type of ward (medical, surgical), ward size and hospital size. The most influential factor was found to be the patient dependency category.