| aidemia--modules-essaywrite_request | Write an essay |
| What topic | TASK 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 |
| Which subject | Biology |
| What age group | Doesn't matter |
| How many pages | 3 |
| Add references | |
| Any other preferences |
In the realm of healthcare, nurse staffing levels have garnered significant attention due to their potential impact on patient safety and quality of care. A well-staffed nursing unit is crucial for ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care, which ultimately affects their outcomes. This investigation will delve into the correlation between nurse staffing levels and patient safety, employing a mixed-methods research approach to gain comprehensive insights.
The selected topic, "The Impact of Nurse Staffing Levels on Patient Safety," is immensely relevant to my Access to HE Diploma in Nursing. With the ongoing pressures faced by the NHS and healthcare systems globally, understanding how staffing influences patient safety is critical for future nursing practices and policies. Numerous studies have indicated a direct connection between increased nurse workloads and negative patient outcomes, including higher rates of adverse events, medication errors, and increased length of hospital stays (Aiken et al., 2014). Thus, a thorough investigation into this topic is both necessary and timely.
To explore this topic effectively, I have chosen a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research methods. This dual strategy allows for a richer and more nuanced understanding of the issue.
The primary quantitative method will involve the use of surveys distributed to registered nurses in various healthcare settings. The survey will aim to gather quantifiable data on nurse-to-patient ratios, job satisfaction, and perceived levels of patient safety. The surveys will include Likert scale questions to facilitate statistical analysis and comparison across different facilities. This method is justified as it provides concrete numerical data that can correlate staffing levels with reported patient safety incidents, thus allowing for statistical significances to be measured (Polit & Beck, 2017).
In conjunction with the survey, qualitative data will be collected through semi-structured interviews with nursing staff. This approach enables the exploration of personal experiences and insights into how staffing levels affect their work and patient care. Interviews will provide depth to the quantitative data, allowing participants to discuss specific instances where inadequate staffing impacted patient safety, thereby highlighting areas that may require policy changes (Kvale & Brinkmann, 2015). This combination of methods will enhance the understanding of the complex dynamics between staffing and patient outcomes.
All research involving human participants will adhere to ethical guidelines that prioritize confidentiality, informed consent, and the right to withdraw from the study. Ethical approval will be sought from the relevant institutional review board before commencing the study.
In conclusion, the investigation into the impact of nurse staffing levels on patient safety is not only relevant but essential for informing future nursing practices and healthcare policies. By employing a mixed-methods approach consisting of quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, a comprehensive understanding of the issue can be achieved, contributing to ongoing discussions on enhancing patient safety and care quality in nursing.
Aiken, L. H., Sloane, D. M., & Griffiths, P. (2014). "Nurse staffing and education and hospital mortality in nine European countries: a retrospective observational study." The Lancet, 383(9931), 1824-1830.
Kvale, S., & Brinkmann, S. (2015). InterViews: Learning the craft of qualitative research interviewing. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing Evidence for Nursing Practice. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.