Write an essay. Required topic is TASK 1: Investigating a Research Topic Mapped to Assessment Criteria: 1.1 Select a topic relevant t...
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What topicTASK 1: Investigating a Research Topic Mapped to Assessment Criteria: 1.1 Select a topic relevant to your Access to HE Diploma in Nursing. Examples might include patient safety, the impact of nurse staffing levels, or approaches to patient-centred care. Identify and justify the primary research method(s) you will use for your investigation. For example, surveys, interviews, or observational studies. Estimated Word Count: 450 words
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Investigating the Impact of Nurse Staffing Levels on Patient Safety

Introduction

The nursing workforce is a critical component of healthcare delivery, and adequate nurse staffing levels are essential for ensuring patient safety and quality of care. This investigation will focus on the relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient safety within clinical settings. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the extent to which nurse staffing affects patient outcomes, thereby informing healthcare policies and practices that prioritise patient safety.

Rationale for Topic Selection

The selection of this research topic is grounded in the increasing evidence that inadequate nurse staffing can lead to adverse patient outcomes, including increased rates of medication errors, healthcare-associated infections, and prolonged hospital stays (Stone et al., 2018). With the growing demands on healthcare systems and the persistent challenges of nursing shortages, it is imperative to understand how staffing levels impact patient safety. This topic is particularly relevant to my Access to HE Diploma in Nursing, as it encompasses fundamental principles that will influence my future practice and the broader healthcare landscape.

Research Methods

To investigate the impact of nurse staffing levels on patient safety, a mixed-methods approach will be employed, utilising both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The combination of these methods allows for a comprehensive exploration of the topic, facilitating a deeper understanding of the nuances involved.

Quantitative Method: Surveys

Surveys will be utilised as the primary quantitative research method. A structured questionnaire will be distributed to registered nurses and healthcare professionals across various clinical settings. The survey will assess perceived staffing levels, frequency of patient safety incidents, and attitudes towards the adequacy of current staffing practices. By gathering data from a larger sample size, the quantitative aspect aims to identify statistical correlations between staffing levels and patient outcomes, enabling generalisable conclusions (Polit & Beck, 2017).

Qualitative Method: Interviews

In addition to surveys, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with a select group of participants, including nursing staff and healthcare administrators. These interviews will provide deeper insights into the experiences and perspectives of healthcare professionals regarding the impact of staffing on patient safety. The qualitative data collected will enrich the quantitative findings, revealing underlying themes, barriers to optimal staffing, and potential solutions to improve patient safety (Creswell & Poth, 2017).

Conclusion

The investigation into the impact of nurse staffing levels on patient safety is crucial for improving healthcare delivery and ensuring optimal patient outcomes. By employing a mixed-methods approach, this research will provide valuable insights into the correlation between staffing and safety, which can inform policy changes and managerial decisions within healthcare facilities. Ultimately, the findings of this research will contribute to the body of knowledge necessary for advancing nursing practice and enhancing patient care.

References