Care call requests and inpatient beds modernization: Is there any link? A prospective observational study in the oncological setting

Abstract

AimThe study aims to analyse the principal causes of patients' care calls and compare differences before and after inpatient beds' technological modernization in a surgical breast oncological ward.DesignA prospective observational study was conducted under the STROBE guidelines. Data were collected from June to September 2022.MethodsStatistical analyses were performed to compare each reason for care calls, by shifts and pre and post‐inpatient bed modernization.ResultsTwo thousand five hundred and fifty‐nine care request calls were analysed during the 202 observed shifts. The most frequent reason was related to the requests for positions.ConclusionTechnological modernization of the beds has not led to effective—positive—changes; on the contrary, it seems at first glance to show an upward trend in calls above all in the short period after the changes.Implications for the profession and/or patient care What problem did the study address? By analysing the principal causes of care calls and comparing the differences before and after inpatient beds' technological modernization, this study evaluates if inpatient gear or device modernization can impact care call requests. What were the main findings? The results show that the most frequent reasons for care calls were position, possession and other. These findings seem not superimposable; the hypothesis supported by the international literature in which the causes relating to potty and pain were found among the main reasons. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? These results could impact the care organizational area in nursing care and could improve care quality, patient satisfaction and safety. Reporting MethodThis prospective observational study was conducted following STROBE guidelines.Patient or Public ContributionAfter adequate information (presentation, design methods and objectives), all unit healthcare staff agreed to collaborate in the study.