Volume 29, Issue 4, 2020
DOI: 10.24205/03276716.2020.907
Effects of early warning interventions on the incidence of nursing interruptions and adverse nursing outcomes in China
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: The incidence of nursing interruptions is very high, with an occurrence of at least one event every 10 minutes. As nearly 90% of interruption incidents cause negative outcomes, there is a need to implement early warning interventions to reduce the incidence of nursing interruptions and negative nursing outcomes. This study aimed to examine the effects of early warning interventions on nurses to reduce the incidence of nursing interruptions and adverse nursing outcomes, compared with a historic control group. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study, with outcome measures examined pre- and post-intervention. Results: A total of five hospital departments joined this study. After early warning interventions were implemented, the incidence of interruptions decreased significantly (P<0.001) and adverse nursing outcomes were also significantly reduced, from 79 to 41 (P<0.001). Additionally, nursing quality check scores increased significantly (P<0.001). Implications for Practice: The implementation of early warning interventions can reduce the incidence of nursing interruptions and negative nursing outcomes, and ultimately improve the quality of nursing care.
Keywords
Nursing interruptions; Early warning intervention; Adverse nursing outcomes; Chinese nurses