Journal of Patient Care

Impact and Consequences of Missed Nursing interventions in Neonatal Outcomes

Song Guozhi^* Department of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
^*Correspondence: Song Guozhi, Department of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China, Email:

Received: 03-Jul-2023, Manuscript No. JPC-23-22591; Editor assigned: 06-Jul-2023, Pre QC No. JPC-23-22591 (PQ); Reviewed: 20-Jul-2023, QC No. JPC-23-22591; Revised: 27-Jul-2023, Manuscript No. JPC-23-22591 (R); Published: 03-Aug-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2573-4598.23.9.238

Description

Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) play a pivotal role in delivering specialized care to newborns with intricate medical requirements. The delicate nature of neonatal care demands meticulous attention to detail and adherence to nursing protocols. However, in the demanding and fast-paced environment of NICUs, instances of missed nursing care can occur. Missed nursing care refers to the omission or delay of essential nursing interventions that are necessary for optimal patient outcomes. Neonates admitted to NICUs often require intensive medical interventions, including respiratory support, nutritional management and monitoring of vital signs. Nursing care is a cornerstone of neonatal care, encompassing a range of activities such as medication administration, feeding, hygiene and developmental care. Proper and timely execution of nursing interventions is essential for preventing complications, ensuring growth and development and minimizing long-term health issues. High patient acuity and understaffing can lead to overwhelming workloads, making it challenging for nurses to complete all necessary tasks.

The intricate medical needs of neonates, coupled with the use of advanced medical technology, can create a complex care environment that demands meticulous attention and multitasking. Handoffs during shift changes or transfers between units can result in information gaps and disruptions in care delivery. Emergent situations or clinical deteriorations can divert nurses' attention from planned interventions. Insufficient availability of equipment, supplies or medications can hinder nurses' ability to carry out necessary care tasks. Missed nursing care can lead to adverse events, medication errors and delayed recognition of critical changes in a neonate's condition. Failure to provide essential care interventions may result in prolonged hospital stays, increased risk of infections, poor growth and developmental delays. Families of neonates rely on nursing care to ensure their infants receive the best possible care. Missed care can erode trust and lead to dissatisfaction among parents. Nurses may experience emotional distress and moral dilemmas when unable to provide necessary care due to external factors. Trained observers can directly observe nursing care activities and document instances of missed care. Nurses can provide insights into missed care through self-reported surveys and questionnaires, highlighting specific care tasks that may be frequently missed.

Analysis of patient charts and documentation can reveal discrepancies between planned care and actual care provided. Examining clinical outcomes such as infection rates, weight gain and length of hospital stay, can indirectly reflect the impact of missed nursing care. Adequate nurse staffing levels are essential to prevent overwhelming workloads and ensure timely care delivery. Continuous education and training programs can enhance nurses' skills, knowledge and time management, promoting efficient care delivery. Streamlining workflows, prioritizing care tasks and implementing standardized care protocols can help manage nurses' workload. Effective communication during shift changes, handoffs and interprofessional collaboration is essential to prevent missed care due to information gaps. Implementing Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and nursing informatics systems can facilitate care documentation, task reminders and decision support. Involving families in care planning and delivery can improve adherence to care plans and enhance patient safety.

Conclusion

Missed nursing care in neonatal intensive care units poses significant challenges to the well-being and outcomes of vulnerable neonates. The demanding nature of neonatal care, combined with factors such as staffing shortages and complex medical needs, contributes to instances of omitted or delayed care interventions. The evaluation of missed nursing care is essential to understand its scope, causes and consequences. By identifying strategies to optimize staffing, improve communication and enhance workflow, NICUs can take steps towards minimizing missed nursing care and providing the highest quality care to their most fragile patients.

The commitment to addressing this issue ultimately reflects the dedication of healthcare professionals to ensuring the best possible outcomes for neonates under their care.