PLEASE FOLLOW EXACTLY WHAT THE TEACHER WANTS, USING THE TEMPLET AND THE PROJECT THAT I UPLOADED AS WELL. For this last project assignment you will create an academic poster based on your MSN Capstone Project Proposal. Using the information from your Project Proposal form, you will use the to complete this assignment. Use the instructions below and review the
guidelines in the template to ensure that you fulfill all requirements for this assignment.
Title: The Impact of Nursing Staffing on Patient Outcomes in Intensive Care Units
Introduction:
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between nursing staffing levels and patient outcomes in intensive care units (ICUs). High patient acuity and complex care requirements in ICUs make adequate staffing crucial for providing safe and effective care. However, inadequate staffing can lead to adverse patient outcomes, such as increased mortality rates and longer hospital stays. Therefore, understanding the impact of nursing staffing on patient outcomes in ICUs is essential for improving the quality of care provided in these settings.
Objectives:
1. To explore the relationship between nursing staffing levels and patient mortality rates in ICUs.
2. To examine the association between nurse-to-patient ratios and hospital-acquired infections in ICUs.
3. To assess the influence of nursing staffing on patient satisfaction scores in ICUs.
Methods:
This study will utilize a retrospective cohort design to examine the relationship between nursing staffing levels and patient outcomes in ICUs. Data will be collected from electronic health records and administrative databases of a large tertiary care hospital. The study sample will consist of all adult patients admitted to the ICU during a one-year period. Measures of nursing staffing will include nurse-to-patient ratios, nurse experience levels, and nursing skill mix. Patient outcomes of interest will include mortality rates, incidence of hospital-acquired infections, and patient satisfaction scores.
Data Analysis:
Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize the characteristics of the study sample, including demographics, comorbidities, and nursing staffing levels. Bivariate analyses will be conducted to examine the associations between nursing staffing variables and patient outcomes. Logistic regression models will be used to determine the independent impact of nursing staffing on patient mortality rates and hospital-acquired infections, while linear regression models will be employed to assess the relationship between nursing staffing and patient satisfaction scores. Adjustments will be made for potential confounding variables, such as patient age, severity of illness, and comorbidities.
Ethical Considerations:
This study will adhere to ethical guidelines and obtain appropriate institutional review board approval. Patient confidentiality will be maintained through the de-identification of data and strict access controls. Informed consent will not be required as the study uses retrospective data that do not directly involve patients.
Expected Outcomes:
Based on the existing literature, it is hypothesized that higher nursing staffing levels will be associated with lower patient mortality rates, decreased incidence of hospital-acquired infections, and higher patient satisfaction scores in ICUs. Findings from this study will contribute to the growing body of evidence on the importance of nursing staffing in improving patient outcomes.