Performed and missed nursing care in Swiss acute care hospitals: Conceptual considerations and psychometric evaluation of the German MISSCARE questionnaire

Aim To have at hand a reliable and valid questionnaire to assess performed and missed nursing care in a Swiss acute care context. Background Regular monitoring of performed and missed nursing care is crucial for nurse leaders to make evidence-based decisions. As foundation, we developed a conceptual definition. Based on this, we decided to translate and adapt the MISSCARE. Method In this methodological study, our newly developed German MISSCARE and previously used BERNCA-R were tested in a pilot study using a quantitative crossover design in a sample of 1,030 nurses and midwives in three Swiss acute care hospitals. Data were analysed descriptively, then using exploratory factor analysis and Rasch modelling. Results We obtained preliminary evidence that the German MISSCARE is sufficiently reliable and valid to measure performed and missed nursing care in our context but would benefit from structural adjustments. In contrast, the BERNCA-R proved insufficiently reliable for our purposes and context. Conclusion Our conceptual definition was essential for the development of the German MISSCARE. Our results support the decision to use this questionnaire. Implication for nursing management The adapted German MISSCARE will allow both monitoring of performed and missed nursing care over time and benchmarking of hospitals.