Title: Mixed method study to explore the status of utilization of nursing process and factors affecting its utilization among nursing officers working at AIIMS, New Delhi
Abstract:
Background: The nursing process (NP) is a fundamental framework for delivering patient-centered care worldwide, yet its utilization varies among settings. Therefore, understanding the extent of its implementation and the factors influencing its use is crucial for enhancing nursing practice and patient outcomes.
Aim: The study aimed to explore the current status of the utilization of the nursing process in clinical settings, including factors that may influence their use and potential barriers to effective implementation.
Methods: A mixed method approach with sequential explanatory design (Quan → Qual) was employed. A cross-sectional design was adopted for observation of the status of utilization of the nursing process among 385 randomly sampled patients’ records. Additionally, in-depth interviews were carried out with purposively selected 23 Nursing officers to gain deeper insights into the factors affecting the utilization of nursing process. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for quantitative analysis, while thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data followed by methodological triangulation to integrate the data.
Results: Findings indicated that while most nursing officers acknowledge the importance of the nursing process, however, its application in clinical practice remains inconsistent (Percentage utilization=16.85%). Key barriers identified include workload and operational constraints, lack of autonomy and support and undocumented practices. Meanwhile, participants also highlighted perceived benefits and provided suggestions for improving nursing process utilization.
Conclusion: Nursing officers are committed to patient care and demonstrate optimism for adopting the nursing process but face many challenges for its effective utilization. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions including competency-based workshops, simulation-based learning, E-learning modules to enhance nursing process utilization among nursing officers.
