Testing the individualized care model

BACKGROUND: Although there has been some research to identify the dimensions on which individualized care should be measured, the indicators that constitute individualized care remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: To describe briefly the maintenance of individualized care and to test a hypothetical model of individualized care in a sample of surgical patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: A correlational survey design was used. Data were collected with questionnaires from adult patients (n = 454) discharged from surgical wards in one Finnish hospital district (response rate 91%). Structural equation modelling LISREL SIMPLIS using maximum likelihood estimation was used to estimate and test the parameters of the hypothesized model derived deductively from the previous literature. RESULTS: The goodness-of-fit statistics supported the basic solution of the Individualized Care Model, although two additional paths indicating error covariances between the sub-concepts were identified in the revised model. In this model individualized care is defined in terms of patients' views of nursing activities aimed at supporting individuality in care and in terms of perceptions of individuality in their own care. CONCLUSIONS: The model has been found to capture attributes that characterize individualized care. It can be used as a basis for evaluation in clinical nursing practice from patients' point of view. The study highlights the importance of patients' clinical situation, personal life situation and decisional control as predictors of individualized care. The results also confirm the construct validity of the previously developed Individualized Care Scale.     

Provision of individualised care improves hospital patient outcomes: an explanatory model using LISREL

BACKGROUND: Previous studies propose the efficacy of individualised care for hospital patients. Individualised care and proposed correlates have not been tested by means of a single multivariate analyses simultaneously. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to examine predicted relationships between individualised care and patient satisfaction, patient autonomy and health-related quality of life. DESIGN: A cross-sectional correlational survey. SETTINGS: This study was carried out in six acute hospitals in Southern Finland. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 861 (response rate 84%) pre-discharged hospitalised adult patients were recruited from surgical, gynaecological and internal medicine units. METHODS: A correlational survey design was used to investigate to complete a battery of instruments measuring individualised care (the ICS), patient satisfaction with nursing care (the PSS), patient autonomy and perceived health-related quality of life (the 15D). The data from these instruments were used to test the proposed model using LISREL implementing the Maximum Likelihood estimation procedure. RESULTS: The findings support the proposed model linking individualised nursing care directly to the positive patient outcomes defined. The initial model, permitting all possible covariances, showed a good fit between the variables. Independent variables, supported individuality through nursing interventions (ICS-A) and perception of individuality in their own care (ICS-B) accounted for 58% of the variance in the frequency of individualised care. Individualised care explained the variance on the dependent variables patient satisfaction and patient autonomy. A low but significant association was also found between individualised care and perceived health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study highlight the contribution of individualised nursing care to positive patient outcomes, such as patient satisfaction, patient autonomy and perceived health-related quality of life. Not only clinically important, this model also has implications for further research into individualised care and its relationship with positive patient outcomes.     

Patient characteristics in relation to perceptions of how individualized care is delivered--research into the sensitivity of the Individualized Care Scale.

The purposes of this study were to examine how hospital patients' backgrounds and clinical illness are related to their perceptions of the individualized care they receive and to test the sensitivity of the Individualized Care Scale (ICS). Cross-sectional explorative survey data were obtained using questionnaires completed by 861 (response rate = 88%) predischarge hospital patients from six hospitals in Southern Finland in 2004. Self-administered questionnaires included the ICS as well as the 15D, a measure of health-related quality of life, and gathered information about the patients' backgrounds. Based on association tests, younger age, poorer state of health, and higher level of education were associated with more critical perceptions of individualized care. Using simultaneous regression analysis and presenting the results from stronger to weaker, we found age to be the strongest predictor of patients' positive perceptions of the individualized care they received. This was followed by health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as measured by the 15D, vocational education, and type of admission. The ICS was found to be a valid tool for the measurement of individualized care in hospitals. The self-reported patient data from this survey suggest that some patient characteristics are associated with the patients' perceptions about the individualized care they receive. There is now a need to consider how these characteristics can be taken into account in nursing care delivery to increase individualized care for hospital patients. The results also support use of the ICS in the measurement of individualized care in hospitals.     

Measuring individualized nursing care: assessment of reliability and validity of three scales

AIM: This paper is a report of a study to assess the reliability and convergent validity of three measures of nursing care individualization. BACKGROUND: Individualized care is a key element of nursing care quality, yet little is known about the extent to which it is implemented, its effects, and the factors that help or hinder nurses in giving individualized care. Therefore reliable and valid instruments are needed to measure individualized nursing care. METHOD: A cross-sectional correlational survey design was used. The purposive sample consisted of 861 patients from six hospitals in Finland (response rate 82%). Data were collected in 2004. The Individualized Care Scale was administered simultaneously with translated versions of the Schmidt's Perceptions of Nursing Care Survey and the Oncology Patients' Perceptions of the Quality of Nursing Care Scale. Internal consistency reliability and convergent validity were assessed for each scale. FINDINGS: Evidence for convergent validity was identified between the Individualized Care Scale (part A/B), the Individualization subscale (r = 0.64 with Part A, r = 0.66 with part B) and the Seeing the Individual Patient subscale (r = 0.68 with part A, r = 0.71 with part B). Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0.97 for the Individualized Care Scale, 0.82 for Seeing the Individual Patient and 0.87 for the Individualization subscale. CONCLUSION: Data provided preliminary evidence for the convergent validity of the individualized care scales, as well as acceptable internal consistency reliability for each scale. These scales represent useful measures for assessing patients' perceptions of the individualization of nursing care received.     

Patient satisfaction with nursing care and its relationship with patient characteristics

The aim of this study was to assess patient satisfaction with nursing care and the relationship between patient satisfaction and patient characteristics. This cross‐sectional study was conducted at a 1100‐bed tertiary care teaching hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using the Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Care Scales and a patient information form. Overall, data indicated a high level of patient satisfaction. Hospitalization affected the Experience of Nursing Care Scale independently, while the type of ward, sex, income, and education independently affected the Satisfaction with Nursing Care Scale. Patients who underwent surgical procedures, male patients, the 40–59‐year‐old age group, those who had low levels of education or income, and patients who were hospitalized for long periods were most satisfied. Patients' sex, age, income, duration of hospitalization, and ward type were important factors that affected their satisfaction with nursing care. The characteristics of patients who have a low level of satisfaction with nursing care should be assessed and taken into consideration by nurses.     

Individualized care in a Finnish healthcare organization

This paper reports the findings of a study exploring the provision of individualized care in a regional hospital in Finland. Individualized care was defined in terms of how patient individuality was taken into account and how patient participation in decision-making was facilitated. The data were collected from hospitalized patients (n = 203) using a questionnaire specially developed for this study. The response rate was 89%. A strong support to facilitate patient participation in decision-making was reported. Most shortcomings concerning the provision of individualized care related to consideration of the patient's cultural background and the involvement of the patient's family in the planning of care. Patients' age and the type of ward were associated with the provision of individualized care: patients aged 65 or over were more satisfied than younger age groups with the way in which their personal life situation had been taken into account. Patients from the gynaecological ward thought, more than patients from the surgical ward, that their situation had been taken into account during hospitalization.     

Case management in care of Turkish rheumatoid arthritis patients

This study examined the effectiveness of a case management (CM) intervention in the care of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as a pilot study in a teaching hospital in Turkey. Two groups were compared with respect to disability, quality of life, cost, and patient satisfaction: RA patients who received CM plus usual nursing care and RA patients who received usual nursing care alone. All patients underwent follow-up interviews at 3 and 6 months after being discharged from the hospital. Disability scores were significantly better in the RA group receiving CM, but there were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to quality of life, patient satisfaction, and total healthcare costs. Using CM in the care of patients with RA may favorably affect disease-related outcomes.     

特需病房的临终关怀服务

目的提高临终病人及家属的生活质量。方法建立家庭式临终关怀病房,控制癌症晚期病人的疼痛,制定个性化临终护理计划,做好基础护理和心理护理,给予临终病人家属心理支持,尊重其民族习俗和宗教信仰,遵照病人生前愿望进行尸体料理,帮助家属办理后续事宜。结果提高了临终病人生命质量,满足了病人的心理需要,病人及家属满意度较高。结论在特需病房实施的临终护理模式提高了服务质量和特需医疗服务信任度,扩大了特需医疗服务的影响力。     

Hospitals' organizational variables and patients' perceptions of individualized nursing care in Finland

Aim  To examine the association between hospitals' organizational variables and patients' perceptions of individualized care.
Background  There is lack of evidence related to the effects that the hospital environment has on patient perceptions of the individuality of care they receive.
Methods  A cross-sectional design was used. The questionnaire survey data were obtained from 861 (response rate 82%) hospital patients and 35 (100%) nurse managers in Finland.
Results  An inverse relationship between the size of the hospital and ward and patients' perceptions of individualized care was found. Increased staffing or skill mix failed to predict a higher patient perception of individualized care, but primary nursing care delivery did.
Conclusions  Instead of increasing the amount of nursing staff, there is a need to improve the quality of the nurse–patient interactions to facilitate individualized care. The generalizability of the study is limited by the regional nature of the setting.     

The patient satisfaction with nursing care quality: the psychometric study of the Serbian version of PSNCQ questionnaire

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 598–606 The patient satisfaction with nursing care quality: the psychometric study of the Serbian version of PSNCQ questionnaire Introduction: Patient satisfaction with nursing is the most important predictor of patients’ overall satisfaction with their hospital care. According to the Law of Health Care of Republic of Serbia monitoring of patients’ satisfaction with hospital service is mandatory; however, the questionnaire applied to that purpose includes only several questions directly addressing the nursing care issue. Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate psychometric properties of the Serbian version Patient Satisfaction Nursing Care Quality Questionnaire (PSNCQQ) and explore patients’ satisfaction of nursing care they received and assess the relationship between patient satisfaction and patient characteristics. Methods: This cross‐sectional study included a sample population of 240 patients who were discharged from surgical clinics of the Clinical Center of Vojvodina in Novi Sad. The PSNCQQ was translated into Serbian according to standard procedures for forward and backward translation. Factor analysis was used to determine the construct validity, and predictive validity of the questionnaire was previously assessed. Cronbach’s α coefficient and item analysis was conducted to evaluate reliability of the scale. Results: The Serbian version Patient Satisfaction Nursing Care Quality Questionnaire (PSNCQQ) showed a one‐factor structure, Cronbach’s α reliability coefficient was excellent 0.94 and was similar across hospital categories. The correlation coefficient between 19 items and the total scale was high, and ranged from 0.56 to 0.76. Patients’ age, educational level and previous hospitalization period were important factors that affected their satisfaction with nursing care. Conclusion: The study provides a new tool for measuring patient satisfaction with nursing care in Serbia that may present a useful instrument for nursing care managers in improving the nursing care process.     

The Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scales: a valid measure of maternal satisfaction with inpatient postpartum nursing care

AIM: To test the validity of The Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scales as measures of patient satisfaction with nursing care in an inpatient postpartum unit. BACKGROUND: The Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scales (Experience of Nursing Care Scale and Satisfaction with Nursing Care Scale) were developed to measure the satisfaction of medical-surgical inpatients with nursing care. METHODS: The Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scales were administered by interviewers to 189 postpartum women prior to hospital discharge. We tested the construct validity of the scales by making five a priori predictions: mothers who were more satisfied would be more likely to have one nurse caring for them and to recommend the postpartum unit to a friend. We also predicted that the Experience of Nursing Care and Satisfaction with Nursing Care Scales would be positively correlated with each other, with a global question about satisfaction with nursing care, and with a global question about satisfaction with overall postpartum stay. RESULTS: Four of the five a priori predictions were supported by the data. The mean Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scale scores of mothers who would recommend the unit to a friend were higher (more satisfied) than those who would not (P < 0.001). The Experience of Nursing Care Scale and Satisfaction with Nursing Care Scale were positively and significantly correlated with each other (r = 0.9, P < 0.001). There was a positive and significant correlation between the scales and global ratings of nursing care (Experience Scale r = 0.79, P < 0.001; Satisfaction Scale r = 0.82, P < 0.001) and overall postpartum stay (Experience Scale r = 0.64, P < 0.001; Satisfaction Scale r = 0.68, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scales are valid measures of maternal satisfaction with inpatient postpartum nursing care.     

Evaluation of a transmural care model for multiple sclerosis patients.

This study assessed a transmural care model for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients to see whether it would improve patient outcomes, continuity of care, and quality of life. The study group consisted of 77 MS patients who received care on the basis of the Transmural Care Model for Multiple Sclerosis. A comparison group of 96 MS patients received traditional care as usual. A written questionnaire was sent to both groups of participants at baseline and 10 months later. The questionnaire focused on healthcare use and needs, continuity of care, and health-related quality of life. Few differences were found between the two groups. Active participation of and cooperation among healthcare professionals do not automatically lead to improved outcomes in MS patients.     

Exploring nursing outcomes for patients with advanced cancer following intervention by Macmillan specialist palliative care nurses

BACKGROUND: Little information exists about the outcomes from nursing interventions, and few studies report new approaches to evaluating the complex web of effects that may result from specialist nursing care. AIMS: The aim of this study was to explore nursing outcomes for patients with advanced cancer that may be identified as resulting from the care of a Macmillan specialist palliative care nurse. METHODS/INSTRUMENTS: Seventy-six patients referred to 12 United Kingdom Macmillan specialist palliative care nursing services participated in a longitudinal study of their care over 28 days. Patients were interviewed and completed the European Organization for Research on Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Scale and the Palliative Care Outcomes Scale at referral, and 3, 7 and 28 days following referral to a Macmillan specialist palliative care nursing service. A nominated carer was interviewed at baseline and 28 days. Notes recorded by Macmillan specialist palliative care nurses in relation to each patient case were analysed. FINDINGS: Significant improvements in emotional (P = 0.03) and cognitive functioning (P = 0.03) were identified in changes in patients' European Organization for Research on Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Scale scores, and in Palliative Care Outcomes Scale patient anxiety scores (P = 0.003), from baseline to day 7. Analysis of case study data indicated that overall positive outcomes of care from Macmillan specialist palliative care nursing intervention were achieved in 42 (55%) cases. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Sample attrition due to patients' deteriorating condition limited the value of data from the quality of life measures. The method developed for evaluating nursing outcomes using data from patient and carer interviews and nursing records was limited by a lack of focus on outcomes of care in these data sources. CONCLUSIONS: A method was developed for evaluating outcomes of nursing care in complex situations such as care of people who are dying. Positive outcomes of care for patients that were directly attributable to the care provided by Macmillan specialist palliative care nurses were found for the majority of patients. For a small number of patients, negative outcomes of care were identified.     

增刊投稿--个性化延续护理对创伤性脊髓损伤伴截瘫患者照顾者照顾负担和生活质量的影响

目的：分析个性化延续护理对创伤性脊髓损伤伴截瘫患者预后效果及患者照顾者照顾负担和生活质量的影响。方法：选择我院自2018年1月至2019年6月收治的180例创伤性脊髓损伤伴截瘫患者作为研究对象,采用随机数字表法将其分成对照组和研究组,每组90例,对照组采用常规出院指导护理干预,研究组采用个性化延续护理干预,对比两组患者护理前后的肢体疼痛评分、功能障碍评分及照顾者护理前后对疾病相关护理知识掌握度评分、照顾负担评分、生活质量评分、对护理工作的总满意率。结果：护理前,两组患者肢体疼痛评分、功能障碍评分及照顾者护理前后对疾病相关护理知识掌握度评分、照顾负担评分、生活质量评分对比均无显著差异(P＞0.05),护理后,研究组患者肢体疼痛评分、功能障碍评分及照顾者照顾负担评分均显著低于对照组,研究组患者照顾者对疾病相关护理知识掌握度评分、生活质量评分及对护理工作的总满意率均显著高于对照组,两组对比具有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。结论：对创伤性脊髓损伤伴截瘫患者实施个性化延续护理干预,不仅能有效提高患者照顾者对疾病相关护理知识的掌握度,同时还能减轻其照顾负担和提高其生活质量,并提高患者预后效果,从而有助于提高其对护理工作的满意度。