The Association between Nurse-to-Patient Ratios and Mortality Rates and Nurse Satisfaction in Intensive Care Units in West Bank رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

Background: The nurse-to-patient ratio is critical to the quality of care a patient will receive, outcomes, and job satisfaction for nurses. In ICUs, nursing under-staffing has been associated with mortality and a predictor of nurse dissatisfaction, posing a challenge to the healthcare systems in the West Bank. Purpose: This study aimed to examine the relationship between the nurse-to-patient ratios and mortality rates and nurses' satisfaction in the ICUs of West Bank hospitals. Methods: A mixed-method was used with a quantitative cross-sectional survey approach to assess nurse satisfaction with a survey involving 78 ICU nurses, and a prospective observational data collection approach to assess mortality through hospital records during October and November 2024. It gathered demographic and satisfaction questionnaires and mortality statistics. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS. Results: Higher nurse-to-patient ratios were associated with higher ICU patient mortality rates, the researchers found. Higher ratios also correlated with lower nurse satisfaction in dimensions such as workload, teamwork, and opportunities for professional growth. Conclusion: The report notes the importance of ratios as a determinant of patient and nurse safety. It is significant to implement evidence-based staffing policy and workload adaptation strategies to improve patient outcomes and nurse job satisfaction in West Bank ICUs.