Today is World Patient Safety Day, as designated by the World Health Organisation.
Our own School of Health Sciences is a world-leader in researching and advocating the needs of patients in keeping them safe which is influenced by a number of factors including sufficient staffing levels in hospital.
“It may seem obvious that having enough nurses is key factor influencing quality of care, but in many parts of the world there are not standards or legislation to ensure that there are enough nurses on duty to keep patients safe,” said Research Fellow, Professor Jane Ball.
“Our research has found that nurse staffing levels vary hugely, and this has an effect on their care and safety. Patients cared for on wards with low registered nurse (RN) staffing levels are less likely to get all the care they need, and are at greater risk of dying whilst in hospital.”
Professor Peter Griffiths adds: “Unlike the airline industry and childcare, where minimum staffing levels to ensure safety are legal requirements, in most countries there is nothing similar for nurse staffing despite evidence showing increased risk of death when nurse staffing is low.”
“It’s high time that today, on World Patient Safety Day, and in 2020, the International Year of the Nurse, health organisations around the world commit to putting the evidence into practice to keep patients (and staff) safe.”
Our colleagues in Health Sciences have made a video to highlight the issues around Nurse Staffing: A Global Issue for Patient Safety.
