A Comparative Study to Assess the Nurse Patient Ratio and Its Impact on Patient Outcome in Selected Urban and Rural Government Hospitals of Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

Introduction -Health care systems worldwide are stressed by limited resources and increasing demands on their services. Appropriate nurse staffing is critical to patient safety and well-being. Maintenance of minimum nurse patient ratio is receiving increased attention due to growing awareness regarding adverse patient outcomes. newlineAim- The study will gain deeper understanding regarding impact of Nurse Patient Ratio on patient outcome in Urban and Rural hospitals. newlineStatement of the Problem- A comparative study to assess the Nurse Patient Ratio and its impact on patient outcome in selected Urban and Rural Government hospitals of Madhya Pradesh. newlineMethods- A comparative observational descriptive survey approach was adopted. Structured Interview Schedule tool was prepared to collect data of 60 hospitals (20 Urban and 40 Rural hospitals).Multi Stage Simple Random Sampling technique was adopted. newlineResults -Overall findings indicate that majority Urban and Rural hospitals newlineBed strength 50(83.3%) was less than 300 beds followed by 5(8.3%) between 901-1200 beds. Bed Occupancy of last one month was 90% in 39(65%) followed by 15 (25%) hospitals having 71-90%. Bed Occupancy of last one year 42(70%) was more than 90 % followed by 13 (21.7%) hospitals was between 71-90%. In 48(80%) hospitals there did not have 30% staff nurses reserved towards leave. Nurses Patient Ratio according to norms was maintained 53(88.3 %) hospitals in medical, 54 (90%) surgical, 56(93.3%) maternity wards and 41(68.3%), ICU and not maintained in 40(66.7%) pediatric ward, 42(70%) O.T and 39(65%) in the casualty department. newlineOverall patient satisfaction with nursing care was found to be Good 39(65%) followed by Very Good 13(21.7%) and Excellent 8(13.3%). In both the hospitals there were no reports of patient fall, discharge against medical advice and spillage of body fluids.