Missed nursing care as reported by paediatric nurses: A cross-sectional study

AimsMissed nursing care (MNC) significantly affects patient safety and quality of care. It is a widely used concept that has been studied in different settings, but research in paediatric care is quite limited. Therefore, this descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to report the prevalence, patterns, correlates, factors and predictors of MNC in paediatric care units in two central European countries.DesignA cross-sectional comparative study.MethodsData collection was carried out between June and November 2021 using the MISSCARE Survey-Pediatric. The study included 441 registered nurses working in paediatric care units in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in the SPSS 25.0 statistical program.ResultsAlmost all nurses, 92.7% of nurses missed at least one nursing activity during the last shift. The most missed care activity in both countries was the promotion of neuroevolutionary development, and the most prominent reasons were labour resources. MNC was weakly but significantly correlated with nurse experience in the current position and was predicted by the country, nurse education and overtime hours (p <= .05). Differences in prevalence of MNC and reasons for MNC were identified based on several variables (p <= .05).ConclusionThe assessment of MNC in paediatric settings is often a neglected area, although the prevalence in this study was moderate.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient CareNurse staff shortages, as a global problem, have many impacts on patient outcomes in the delivery of nursing care. However, there are also many factors that can reduce the prevalence of MNC. More research should focus on a closer examination of these factors that involve hospital and nurse variables.Reporting MethodThe study was carried out according to the STROBE checklist and the RANCARE guideline.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.

Automated summary

This study aimed to report the prevalence, patterns, correlates, factors and predictors of missed nursing care (MNC) in paediatric care units in two central European countries. The study found that 92.7% of nurses missed at least one nursing activity during their last shift, with limited labor resources being the main reason for MNC. MNC was weakly but significantly correlated with nurse experience, education, and overtime hours.