For my proposed PICOT question, I have chosen patient safety. (P) In a hospice facility, (I) how does lowering nurse to patient ration to 1:4, (C) compared to having nurse to patient ratio 1:5, (O) help improve pain management and comfort measures, (T) in a 6-month period.  This question is one I wonder how it will impact providing end of life care.

Title: The Impact of Nurse-to-Patient Ratio on Pain Management and Comfort Measures in a Hospice Facility

Introduction:

Providing quality end-of-life care is a crucial aspect of healthcare, especially in hospice facilities. One essential component of this care is pain management and comfort measures for patients. The nurse-to-patient ratio, the number of patients a nurse is responsible for, is an important factor that can influence the quality of care provided. In this study, we aim to investigate how lowering the nurse-to-patient ratio from 1:5 to 1:4 in a hospice facility can improve pain management and comfort measures over a period of six months.

Rationale:

Patient safety is a paramount concern in healthcare, and it plays a crucial role in improving patient outcomes. Reducing nurse-to-patient ratios has been shown to positively impact patient safety indicators. Previous research has suggested that lower nurse-to-patient ratios lead to decreased medication errors, increased patient satisfaction, and improved patient outcomes. However, the specific impact on pain management and comfort measures in a hospice facility remains unclear.

The provision of pain management and comfort measures is particularly important in end-of-life care. Patients in hospice facilities often experience significant pain due to their underlying medical conditions. Adequate pain management requires tailored interventions and close monitoring. The nurse’s ability to provide individualized care and timely interventions may be constrained by a high nurse-to-patient ratio, potentially compromising pain management and comfort measures.

PICOT Question:

In a hospice facility, how does reducing the nurse-to-patient ratio to 1:4, compared to a ratio of 1:5, impact pain management and comfort measures over a six-month period?

Population (P):

The population of interest in this study will consist of patients residing in a hospice facility. These individuals will be experiencing end-of-life care due to their advanced illness or terminal condition.

Intervention (I):

The intervention to be examined in this study is reducing the nurse-to-patient ratio from 1:5 to 1:4 in the hospice facility. This intervention aims to provide a more favorable nurse workload, allowing for increased attention and resources for pain management and comfort measures.

Comparison (C):

The comparison group will consist of patients receiving care in the same hospice facility but under the existing nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:5. This group will serve as a control, enabling a comparison of the outcomes between the two nurse staffing models.

Outcome (O):

The primary outcomes of interest in this study will be improvements in pain management and comfort measures. Pain management outcomes may include the assessment and documentation of pain levels, the use of appropriate pain medication, and patient-reported pain relief. Comfort measures may encompass the provision of physical, emotional, and spiritual support, as well as addressing non-pain symptoms, such as shortness of breath or anxiety.

Timeframe (T):

The study will span a period of six months, allowing for sufficient time to observe changes in pain management and comfort measures following the implementation of the reduced nurse-to-patient ratio.

Conclusion:

This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of reducing the nurse-to-patient ratio from 1:5 to 1:4 in a hospice facility on pain management and comfort measures. The findings of this study will contribute to the existing literature on nurse staffing and patient outcomes, specifically within the context of end-of-life care. By evaluating the effects of this intervention, healthcare providers and policymakers can make informed decisions regarding nurse staffing models in hospice facilities, ultimately improving patient safety and the quality of end-of-life care.