Nursing structure variables and unit based client outcomes

Abstract

The purpose of this exploratory, descriptive study was to examine the relationships between nursing Structure of Care indicators and Client Outcome indicators in the acute care setting. An additional purpose was to determine whether the nursing Process of Care significantly mediated the effects that nursing Structure has on Outcomes. This study was a secondary analysis of data from a research project on the Differentiated Group Professional Practice Model (DGPP). Correlational statistics were used to examine the relationships between variables. Multiple regressions were used to further examine the effects of independent variables on dependent variables and make determinations regarding a possible mediating variable. Nursing Structure variables were both positively and negatively related to Client Outcomes. The Process of Care was significantly related to Structure variables, yet did not mediate the effects that the variables have on Client Outcomes. Models are presented showing the relationships between Structure, Process, and Outcome variables.