Relationships among patient characteristics, care processes, and outcomes for patients in coronary care units (CCUs)

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to describe the relationships among patient characteristics, care processes, and care outcomes for patients in a coronary care unit (CCU). The sample consisted of 179 CCU patients. Data collectors reviewed charts and retrieved the chart information needed to measure the operational variables of APACHE II score (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II), years of age, CCU length of stay, nurse to patient ratio, and mortality. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the demographic data of the patient characteristics. Correlational statistics were used to analyze the five operational variables in the "CCU Patient Outcomes Model." Pearson correlations revealed significant positive relationships between APACHE II score and age and nurse to patient ratio. Point Biserial correlations revealed significant positive relationships between mortality and APACHE II score and nurse to patient ratio. Patient characteristics were related to care processes. Patient characteristics and care processes were related to patient outcomes.