Date of Award

Spring 1979

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

McLane, Audrey

Second Advisor

Crepear, Margaret T.

Third Advisor

Katona, Charlotte M.

Abstract

Based on the one-nurse-to-one-patient philosophy of primary nursing, it was felt that patients cared for by a primary nursing method of care delivery would perceive an individualized approach to patient care; would indicate a higher level of satisfaction with overall nursing care; and would identify certain caring behaviors in their nurses. Thirty patients from a unit utilizing a team nursing method of care delivery and thirty patients from a unit utilizing a primary method were asked to complete Marram's National Study of Nursing Care Modalities Questionnaire. The results indicated patients perceived an equally individualized approach to care on both units. Even though 40 percent of the primary group indicated extreme satisfaction with overall care, the team group had a higher percentage when extreme and very satisfied were combined. Further statistical analysis did not show a significant difference between the two groups for any of the variables. Length of hospitalization, the phase of treatment (surgical or medical), experience of staff, and the length of time the modality of care delivery had been practiced were felt to have influenced the results of the patient survey. Replication of the study with a larger sample that is more evenly matched for phase of treatment, sex, and length of hospitalization is recommended.

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