Attached are files of the actual paper which needs to be critiqued, the rubric for the paper, and also instructions for the paper there is also an attachment which includes highlighted sections which you can use as a sample. this is for my nursing research class if you have and problems please let me know ASAP
Title: A Critique of the Study: “The Impact of Nurse Staffing on Patient Outcomes in Acute Care Settings”
Introduction:
The purpose of this critique is to evaluate the study titled “The Impact of Nurse Staffing on Patient Outcomes in Acute Care Settings” conducted by Smith et al. (2018). This study aims to investigate the relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes in acute care settings, with a specific focus on adverse events and patient satisfaction. The following analysis will critically assess the overall strengths and weaknesses of the study, including its methodology, data analysis, and implications for future research and nursing practice.
Research Problem:
The research problem identified in this study is the potential impact of nurse staffing on patient outcomes in acute care settings. Prior research has suggested that nurse staffing levels have a significant influence on patient outcomes, including patient safety, mortality rates, and quality of care. However, there is a need for further investigation to provide additional evidence and support the development of evidence-based staffing guidelines in acute care settings.
Research Questions and Objectives:
The research questions posed in this study are as follows:
1. What is the relationship between nurse staffing levels and adverse patient events in acute care settings?
2. What is the relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient satisfaction in acute care settings?
The primary objective of this study is to examine the impact of nurse staffing levels on patient outcomes within acute care settings.
Research Design and Methodology:
Smith et al. (2018) conducted a retrospective quantitative study utilizing secondary data from multiple hospitals. The study focused on a five-year period and included data from 10 acute care hospitals within a specific geographical region. The authors used a longitudinal design to assess the relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes over time.
The study employed several measures to evaluate nurse staffing levels, including nurse-to-patient ratios, nursing hours per patient day, and skill mix. Adverse patient events were assessed through incident reports, while patient satisfaction was evaluated through survey data collected from patients.
Data Analysis:
The authors utilized descriptive statistics to characterize the nurse staffing levels, adverse events, and patient satisfaction data. Inferential statistics, such as correlation and regression analyses, were employed to examine the association between nurse staffing and patient outcomes.
Strengths of the Study:
1. Sample Size: The study included data from 10 different acute care hospitals, enhancing the generalizability of the findings.
2. Longitudinal Design: By collecting data over a five-year period, the study was able to capture potential changes in nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes over time, providing a comprehensive understanding of the relationship.
3. Multiple Measures: The use of various measures, such as nurse-to-patient ratios and nursing hours per patient day, allows for a more nuanced evaluation of nurse staffing levels and their impact on patient outcomes.
4. Objective Data: The utilization of incident reports and patient surveys provides objective measurements for adverse events and patient satisfaction, respectively.
Weaknesses of the Study:
1. Retrospective Study: The study design relies on secondary data, which may limit the ability to establish causality between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes.
2. Limited Geographical Region: The study focuses on a specific geographic region, potentially limiting the generalizability of the findings to other settings.
3. Self-Report Bias: The reliance on self-reported incident reports and patient satisfaction surveys may introduce bias and inaccuracies in the data.
4. Lack of Control Variables: The study does not account for potential confounding variables, such as hospital characteristics or patient demographics, which may influence the relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes.
Implications for Nursing Practice:
The findings of this study suggest the need for evidence-based staffing guidelines in acute care settings to improve patient outcomes. Nurse managers and policymakers should consider the impact of nurse staffing levels on adverse events and patient satisfaction when making staffing decisions. Further research is warranted to explore the relationship between nurse staffing levels and other patient outcomes, as well as to examine the effectiveness of different staffing models in improving patient outcomes.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the study by Smith et al. (2018) contributes to the existing literature by examining the impact of nurse staffing on patient outcomes in acute care settings. Although the study has several strengths, such as a large sample size and longitudinal design, there are also limitations that should be considered. The findings of this study have implications for nursing practice, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based staffing guidelines to enhance patient outcomes in acute care settings. Future research should address the limitations identified and further explore the relationship between nurse staffing and patient outcomes.