Stressors for emergency department nurses: Insights from a cross‐sectional survey

Author(s):  
Ali H. Alomari ◽  
James Collison ◽  
Leanne Hunt ◽  
Nathan J. Wilson
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-11
Author(s):  
Clair Lunt ◽  
Kathleen Mathieson

Abstract Background: Barcode medication administration (BCMA) has been widely implemented in the inpatient setting of hospitals throughout the United States, resulting in lower medication administration errors. Understanding nurses’ attitudes toward BCMA in the Emergency Department (ED) may assist administrators with creating implementation strategies that will improve medication administration process turnaround time and remove barriers to use ensuring increased compliance and improved patient safety. Methods: The aim of this descriptive research study was to identify Emergency Department nurses’ attitudes towards acceptance of this technology, based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Data collection was carried out using an online, cross-sectional survey of nurses (n=55) who were members of the National Emergency Nurses Association of Canada. Results: The results demonstrated that two-thirds of those surveyed had approximately one year of experience with using BCMA technology. More positive attitudes were found in the following domains: behavioral intent, anxiety, and self-efficacy. Neutral attitudes were perceived regarding facilitating conditions, social influence, and effort expectancy. The most negative attitudes were expressed regarding attitude toward technology and performance expectancy. Conclusions: The results of this study allow us to conclude that the ED nurse perceived BCMA as easy to master and use and not intimidating or anxiety producing; however, they do not perceive it as useful nor do they perceive it to improve their proficiency or productivity. It is recommended that future studies be conducted on larger samples and also on participants that have had more experience using this technology. Keywords: Barcode Medication Administration, Emergency Department, Medication Administration, Attitudes.    


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Haroon ◽  
S. S. Owais ◽  
A. S. Khan ◽  
J. Amin

Summary COVID-19 has challenged the mental health of healthcare workers confronting it world-wide. Our study identifies the prevalence and risk of anxiety among emergency healthcare workers confronting COVID-19 in Pakistan. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in an Emergency Department using the Generalized Anxiety Scale (GAD-7), and questions about sources of anxiety. Of 107 participants, 61.7% were frontline workers. The prevalence of anxiety was 50.5%. Nonparametric tests determined that nurses, younger and inexperienced staff, developed significant anxiety. Multivariate ordinal regression determined independent risk factors for developing anxiety were younger age (OR 2.11, 95% CI 0.89–4.99) and frontline placement (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.33–1.66). Significant sources of stress were fear of infecting family (P = 0.003), lack of social support when the health care providers were themselves unwell (P = 0.02) and feelings of inadequate work performance (P = 0.05). Our study finds that HCWs’ anxiety is considerable. Appropriate measures for its alleviation and prevention are required.


2021 ◽  
pp. 084456212110144
Author(s):  
Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia ◽  
Mary T. Fox ◽  
Souraya Sidani ◽  
Sherry Dahlke ◽  
Deborah Tregunno

Objectives The study aimed to describe and compare nurses’ perceptions of role conflict by professional designation [registered nurse (RN) vs registered practical nurse (RPN)] in three primary areas of practice (emergency department, medical unit, and surgical unit). Methods This analysis used data (n = 1,981) from a large cross-sectional survey of a random sample of RNs and RPNs working as staff nurses in acute care hospitals in Ontario, Canada. Role conflict was measured by the Role Conflict Scale. Results A total of 1,981 participants (RN = 1,427, RPN = 554) met this study’s eligibility criteria and provided complete data. In general, RN and RPN mean total scale scores on role conflict hovered around the scale’s mid-point (2.72 to 3.22); however, RNs reported a higher mean score than RPNs in the emergency department (3.22 vs. 2.81), medical unit (2.95 vs 2.81) and surgical unit (2.90 vs 2.72). Where statistically significant differences were found, the effect sizes were negligible to medium in magnitude with the largest differences noted between RNs and RPNs working in the emergency department. Conclusions The results suggest the need to implement strategies that diminish role conflict for both RNs and RPNs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (02) ◽  
pp. e171-e174
Author(s):  
Donna H. Kim ◽  
Dongseok Choi ◽  
Thomas S. Hwang

Abstract Objective This article examines models of patient care and supervision for hospital-based ophthalmology consultation in teaching institutions. Design This is a cross-sectional survey. Methods An anonymous survey was distributed to residency program directors at 119 Accreditation Council for Graduated Medical Education accredited U.S. ophthalmology programs in the spring of 2018. Survey questions covered consult volume, rotational schedules of staffing providers, methods of supervision (direct vs. indirect), and utilization of consult-dedicated didactics and resident competency assessments. Results Of the 119 program directors, 48 (41%) completed the survey. Programs most frequently reported receiving 4 to 6 consults per day from the emergency department (27, 55.1%) and 4 to 6 consults per day from inpatient services (26, 53.1%). Forty-seven percent of programs reported that postgraduate year one (PGY-1) or PGY-2 residents on a dedicated consult rotation initially evaluate patients. Supervising faculty backgrounds included neuro-ophthalmology, cornea, comprehensive, or a designated chief of service. Staffing responsibility is typically shared by multiple faculty on a daily or weekly rotation. Direct supervision was provided for fewer of emergency room consults (1–30%) than for inpatient consults (71–99%). The majority of programs reported no dedicated didactics for consultation activities (27, 55.1%) or formal assessment for proficiency (33, 67.4%) prior to the initiation of call-related activities without direct supervision. Billing submission for consults was inconsistent and many consults may go financially uncompensated (18, 36.7%). Conclusion The majority of hospital-based ophthalmic consultation at academic centers is provided by a rotating pool of physicians supervising a lower level resident. Few programs validate increased levels of graduated independence using specific assessments.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 2790
Author(s):  
Per Sindahl ◽  
Christian Overgaard-Steensen ◽  
Helle Wallach-Kildemoes ◽  
Marie Louise De Bruin ◽  
Hubert GM Leufkens ◽  
...  

Background: Hyponatraemia is associated with increased morbidity, increased mortality and is frequently hospital-acquired due to inappropriate administration of hypotonic fluids. Despite several attempts to minimise the risk, knowledge is lacking as to whether inappropriate prescribing practice continues to be a concern. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed in Danish emergency department physicians in spring 2019. Prescribing practices were assessed by means of four clinical scenarios commonly encountered in the emergency department. Thirteen multiple-choice questions were used to measure knowledge. Results: 201 physicians responded corresponding to 55.4% of the total population of physicians working at emergency departments in Denmark. About a quarter reported that they would use hypotonic fluids in patients with increased intracranial pressure and 29.4% would use hypotonic maintenance fluids in children, both of which are against guideline recommendations. Also, 29.4% selected the correct fluid, a 3% hypertonic saline solution, for a patient with hyponatraemia and severe neurological symptoms, which is a medical emergency. Most physicians were unaware of the impact of hypotonic fluids on plasma sodium in acutely ill patients. Conclusion: Inappropriate prescribing practices and limited knowledge of a large number of physicians calls for further interventions to minimise the risk of hospital-acquired hyponatraemia.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 205031211877671 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali M Al Khathaami ◽  
Yasmeen O Mohammad ◽  
Fatimah S Alibrahim ◽  
Hoda A Jradi

Background: Tissue plasminogen activator within 4.5 h of onset is effective for acute ischemic stroke. However, only small proportion of patients is treated due to delayed presentation. We aimed to examine the factors associated with delays of stroke patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during a 6-month period. An interviewer administered structured questionnaire addressed to the acute stroke patients or their relatives was used to explore the factors associated with delayed arrival. Results: A total of 227 patients attending the emergency department were interviewed. The mean age was 60.4 ± 15.6 years. Approximately 56.4% presented after 4.5 h of stroke onset. Factors associated with late arrival were being alone during the onset of stroke, not being transported in an ambulance, not knowing that they were experiencing a stroke, and residing outside the city of Riyadh. Conclusion: More than half of patients missed the golden hours for thrombolysis due to delayed presentation. Reasons include lack of knowledge, underuse of ambulance and difficult access to care. Urgent community-based interventions are needed to address these factors.


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