Date of Conferral
2-6-2024
Date of Award
2-6-2024
Degree
Doctor of Healthcare Administration (D.H.A.)
School
Health Services
Advisor
Bridget Drafahl
Abstract
This completed quantitative research study explores the intricate relationship between nurse staffing ratios in emergency units and patient satisfaction, grounded in Donabedian's conceptual model. The primary objective was to examine the correlation between nursing staff?to-patient ratios and patient satisfaction, utilizing the Davis Consumer Emergency Care Satisfaction Scale. Employing a correlational analysis research design, the study utilized descriptive and inferential statistics, including analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), to control for factors such as nursing hours per patient day, nursing staff mix, and education/experience levels. The study's significance lies in informing healthcare managers about the pivotal role of nurse staffing in enhancing healthcare services for patients, nurses, and the community. Addressing gaps in current literature, the research provides a comprehensive understanding of factors contributing to staff shortages and their impact on patient satisfaction. The target population comprised nurses in Alabama hospitals, selected based on official datasets from Medicare.gov. The findings offer valuable insights for policy discussions and decision-making related to nurse-to-patient ratios, particularly in emergency units. As the healthcare landscape evolves, the study underscores the importance of addressing staffing challenges, especially in emergency units where patient needs are urgent and unpredictable. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlights the critical role of staffing as demand overwhelms the supply of healthy nurses. This research significantly contributes to the healthcare quality improvement discourse by unraveling the complex relationship between nurse staffing ratios and patient satisfaction. The findings provide practical guidance for policymakers, administrators, and healthcare leaders in optimizing nurse staffing levels for improved patient outcomes and experiences. The study emphasizes the ongoing importance of addressing staffing challenges, particularly in the dynamic environment of emergency units.
Recommended Citation
OKONKWO ONUIGBO, EBELE, "The Relationship Between Nurse Staffing Ratio of Hospitals and Patient Satisfaction in Emergency Units" (2024). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 15440.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/15440
