| 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 |
The quality of patient care is a fundamental concern within the nursing profession, and a significant determinant of this quality is the level of nurse staffing. This essay aims to investigate the relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient safety, a topic of paramount importance in the context of healthcare provision. An understanding of this relationship is essential for policy-making and practice improvement, particularly in the wake of ongoing challenges in the healthcare sector, such as workforce shortages and increasing patient complexity.
In investigating the impact of nurse staffing levels on patient safety, a mixed-methods research design will be employed. This approach combines both quantitative and qualitative research methods, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the research problem.
For the quantitative aspect of this investigation, surveys will be administered to nursing staff in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and community care. The survey will assess variables such as nurse-to-patient ratios, perceived workload, and incidents of adverse patient outcomes, like medication errors or falls. This method is suitable as it allows for the collection of data from a large number of respondents, facilitating statistical analysis and providing diverse insights across different healthcare environments (Polit & Beck, 2017). By utilising validated scales, we will ensure the reliability and validity of the data collected.
Complementing the quantitative data, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with nursing staff and healthcare managers. This qualitative method is crucial for exploring the nuanced experiences and perceptions of nurses regarding staffing levels and patient safety. Interviews provide depth and context to the survey findings, enabling an exploration of how staffing levels impact care quality, staff morale, and patient outcomes on a more personal level (Creswell & Poth, 2018). By using open-ended questions, we can encourage participants to share their insights and experiences freely, contributing to a richer understanding of the research topic.
In addition to surveys and interviews, observational studies will be conducted in selected healthcare settings. This method will involve observing nurse-patient interactions and the general workflow within nursing teams. Such observations will help identify how staffing levels affect patient care practices and safety protocols. Observational studies are particularly valuable as they provide real-time data on nurse behaviours and patient responses, which may not be fully captured through self-reported surveys or interviews (Holloway & Galvin, 2016).
The investigation into the relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient safety will employ a mixed-methods approach, integrating surveys, interviews, and observational studies. This methodological combination will provide a holistic view of the impact of staffing on patient care, enabling a more comprehensive analysis of the issue. As nurse staffing is a critical factor influencing patient safety, the findings from this research could inform policy recommendations and staffing strategies to enhance patient outcomes in UK healthcare settings.