Abstract
To demonstrate the prevalence of care left undone and its relationship to registered nurse staffing levels within community nursing. Much research has been completed on nursing care left undone in the acute sector. Little has been done in the community nursing context. Secondary analysis from a cross-sectional survey of 3,009 registered nurses working in the community and care home sector was completed. Measures reported are 'care left undone', 'nurse staffing levels' and 'type of shift'. Only 37% of community respondents, and 81% of care home staff, reported having the planned number of nurses on their last shift. Prevalence of care left undone was 34% in the community sector, 33% in the care home sector and 23% in primary care. Care left undone increased as the proportion of registered nurses fell below planned numbers. Care left undone is a significant issue across the community nursing context and is related to registered nurse staffing levels. This work is the first to look directly at the relationship of registered nurse staffing levels to care left undone in the community. Current policy on safe staffing needs to ensure consideration of the community nursing context.
Highlights
Much research has been completed on nursing care left undone in the acute sector
Conc usion Care left undone is a significant issue across the community nursing context and is related to registered nurse staffing levels
Falls, pressure ulcers and readmissions could all be associated with missed care—though the three studies reviewed to consider the link between missed care and mortality found no clear association
Summary
Research Alliance (SRA) between the RCN and the University of Sheffield. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the RCN or the University of Sheffield
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
