Korean J Adult Nurs.  2023 Aug;35(3):234-244. 10.7475/kjan.2023.35.3.234.

Comparison of Nursing Needs and Nursing Performance Perceived by Patients and Nurses in Integrated Nursing Care Service Wards in Small and Medium-Sized Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study

• Choi HS
• Cho YS

• KMID: 2545837
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7475/kjan.2023.35.3.234

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to explore the differences between patient and nurse perceptions of nursing needs and performance in integrated nursing care service wards within small to medium-sized hospitals.
Methods
The participants of the study were 116 patients and 116 nurses in the integrated nursing care service wards of small and medium-sized hospitals in U and Y cities. Data collection was conducted between July 18 and August 12, 2022. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the paired t-test, the independent t-test, and the importance-performance analysis.
Results
Only the difference between nurse-perceived nursing needs and nursing performance (gap 2) was statistically significant (t=4.18, p<.001). Patients' physical needs were higher than what nurses perceived, and patients' financial were higher than nursing performance as perceived by both nurses and patients. In addition, nurses' performance was lower than the perceived nursing needs in all domains. According to the importance-performance analysis, the "concentrate here" areas included infection control, respect for patients' rights, and education of patients and families about diseases and treatment plans. Additionally, financial issues in nursing were identified as a "low priority" area requiring long-term intervention.
Conclusion
It is crucial to prioritize nursing care that addresses patients' needs for infection control, respect for rights, and education. Nurses should also meet the physical and economic support needs of patients. Furthermore, it is recommended to adjust the nurse staffing ratio and foster systematic collaboration among hospitals, taking into account the circumstances of small to medium-sized hospitals.

Keyword

Delivery of health care; Needs assessment; Nursing care; Nursing services