A cross-sectional study of the determinants of missed nursing care in the private sector: Hospital/unit/staff characteristics, professional quality of life and work alienation

Abstract

Aim To analyse missed nursing care in a sample of private hospitals. Background The nursing research on understanding and preventing missed nursing care, a critical element in omitted patient safety, is increasing. Methods This is a descriptive, correlational and cross-sectional study. Data were collected from 897 nurses working in 25 private hospitals in Turkey through an online survey, which included an Introductory Information Form, MISSCARE Survey, Professional Quality of Life and Work Alienation Scales. Results The most frequently missed nursing care was ambulation, and the least was patient assessment. Measurements of the missed nursing care statistically differed in terms of nurses' gender, weekly work hours, overtime work and perception of nurse adequacy, and the hospital's accreditation status. There was a correlation between the missed nursing care and Powerlessness subscale of work alienation. Conclusion Nurses missed less complex care more frequently, and long working hours and inadequacy of nurses increased missed care. There is no correlation between the professional quality of life and missed care. Implications for nursing management Nurse managers should plan actions to reduce nursing workloads and the instances of missed nursing care. Furthermore, they should develop solutions to make nursing care meaningful and allow nurses to feel empowered.