The framework that was used to identify the problem in the report consisted of measuring variable and non-variable factors in a nursing environment. Variable factors consisted of work hours, workloads, and the number of patients that were under the care of medical personnel. On the other hand, the invariable factors were identified as the staff’s perception of the workspace, job satisfaction, and the ability to use education to address patient needs. The “5 Whys Analysis” is used to outline the framework as it addresses the root issues of each component and can provide solutions (Institute for Healthcare Improvement, n.d.). The framework is defined by the combined comparisons of employee numbers, workloads, work hours, stress, recorded negative experiences, patient outcomes, and feedback regarding interactions with the nursing staff.
The following report utilized a middle-range theory due to the specialized focus of the issue. A middle-range theory can be characterized by factors that focus on narrowly defined topics and the use of findings in the formation of healthcare interventions. The issue of a lack of staffing is a universal problem within healthcare. However, additional factors, such as the effects of the COVID pandemic and the occurring neglect of patients, as a result, narrow the focus of the research. Similarly, the application of the framework and the chosen analysis focus on the finding of potential interventions and solutions. Due to these factors, it can be assumed that the report had a middle-range theory focus throughout.
One of the primary components of the issue was the resulting neglect of patients due to the absence of medical staff. However, an issue throughout the literature analysis was in finding abundant research on the topic. This may be likely due to a number of reasons, the primary influence likely being due to the recent nature of the pandemic. As such, academic literature that focused on staff retention and turnover was also significant in understanding the large absences throughout the healthcare sector. Though these themes are not directly related to patient outcomes, they relate to the trends that cause the absence of medical staff. This was the most significant additional research that impacted the report.
Because the report focused on nursing staffing in Poland, there were a number of cultural and social components that had to be observed. The demographics and sociocultural trends of Poland impact the ways in which healthcare and medical staff operate. Differences in gender, economic background, and cultural or ethnic factors can impact a nurse’s experience and education. As such, it is important to recognize these elements, especially in the non-variable segments of the study that address experiences, qualifications, and the ability to communicate with patients. Overall, while the health sector in Poland may seem less diverse due to smaller variations in ethnicity, religion, or other sociocultural factors, there are still intricacies that shape nurse experiences.
It is important that specialists who operate outside of nursing responsibilities are made aware of the current difficulties that are common in the profession. This requires the assessment of the most impactful components, such as workloads, work hours, and negative experiences with patients or other staff. An efficient interpersonal team can utilize the framework and analysis to implement appropriate solutions and interventions by prioritizing the most detrimental issues. While the changes may not directly contribute to an increase in staffing, it is likely to improve retention, which will result in greater efficiency and more hired staff in the long term.
Reference
Institute for Healthcare Improvement. (n.d.). 5 whys: Finding the root cause. Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Web.