Impact of Nurse-to-Patient Ratios on Patient Outcomes in Acute Care Settings

Discussion 2 PICOT Question

During my clinical rotation in the step-down unit for trauma at Broward Medical Center, I have noticed that nursing ratios are high for the acuity of these patients. In a fast-paced acute care environment, finding the proper nurse-to-patient ratios is not just a logistical challenge but a matter of life and death. Staffing levels often fluctuate due to budget constraints and widespread shortages. Research shows a clear connection: when nurses care for fewer patients, outcomes improve, mortality drops, medical errors decline, and patient satisfaction rises (Phillips et al., 2021). This pressing clinical issue, identified through quality improvement efforts, emphasizes how inadequate staffing can jeopardize patient safety and satisfaction scores. Tackling this challenge head-on is critical to delivering high-quality care and building a more resilient, effective healthcare system. Also, evidence shows that appropriate nurse staffing contributes to improved patient outcomes and improved satisfaction scores that benefits both patients and nurses. Addressing this major problem would help our patients and our nurses’ well-being.

Clinical Question

In adult patients admitted to an acute care hospital setting, how does a lower nurse-to-patient ratio compared to a higher ratio affect patient outcomes such as mortality rates, incidence of medical errors and Hospital Acquired Pneumonia, and patient and nurse satisfaction over a period of 8 months?

PICOT Question

P-Patient or Problem: Adult patients in acute care hospital settings.

I-Intervention: Lower nurse-to-patient ratios.

C-Comparison: Higher nurse-to-patient ratios.

O-Outcome: Improved patient outcomes, reduced patient mortality rates, reduced incidence related to medical errors, decreased incidence of Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), and increased patient and nurse satisfaction.

T- Time: Within 8 months of implementation

References

Nurse staffing. ANA. (2019a, July 11). https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nurse-staffing/

Phillips, J., Malliaris, A. P., & Bakerjian, D. (n.d.). Nursing and patient safety. https://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer/nursing-and-patient-safety

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Here’s a step-by-step guide for structuring and writing your PICOT discussion assignment:

1. Introduction (1 paragraph):

   • Begin by contextualizing the clinical issue you observed during your rotation (e.g., high nurse-to-patient ratios in the step-down trauma unit).

   • Include statistics or evidence from the literature to support why this is a critical issue for patient safety and quality care.

2. Clinical Question (1 paragraph):

   • Clearly state the clinical question derived from your observation.

   • Highlight the relevance of this question to improving patient outcomes, nurse satisfaction, and overall hospital performance.

3. PICOT Framework (2–3 paragraphs):

   • P (Patient/Problem): Define your population (e.g., adult patients in acute care).

   • I (Intervention): Specify the intervention (e.g., lower nurse-to-patient ratios).

   • C (Comparison): Describe the comparison group (e.g., higher nurse-to-patient ratios).

   • O (Outcome): List measurable outcomes (mortality, medical errors, HAP, satisfaction).

   • T (Time): State the time frame for observing outcomes (e.g., 8 months).

   • Support each element with evidence from scholarly sources.

4. Analysis and Significance (1–2 paragraphs):

   • Discuss how the intervention could improve patient outcomes and nurse satisfaction.

   • Highlight the potential benefits for hospital administration, quality improvement, and patient safety initiatives.

   • Include references to existing research or policy statements from professional nursing organizations.

5. Conclusion (1 paragraph):

   • Summarize the importance of addressing nurse staffing ratios in acute care.

   • Emphasize how your PICOT question can guide future research or quality improvement projects.

6. References:

   • Include all references in APA format.

   • Use a minimum of two scholarly or professional sources (e.g., ANA, AHRQ).

Resources for Further Reading:

• American Nurses Association – Nurse Staffing

• AHRQ – Nursing and Patient Safety

This guide ensures your PICOT assignment is organized, evidence-based, and aligned with course expectations.

Remember! It’s just a sample. Our professional writers will write a unique paper for you.

Struggling with your essay and deadlines?

Get this or a similar paper done in as fast as 4 hours, 24/7.

NB: We do not sell prewritten papers. All essays are written from scratch according to are specific needs and instructions

✔Secure Service  ✔ Plagiarism Free  ✔On-time Delivery

WRITE MY ESSAY