FACTORS INFLUENCING NURSING CARE ON PATIENT’S HEALTH OUTCOMES IN MEDICAL WARDS AT KISUMU COUNTY REFERRAL HOSPITAL, KISUMU COUNTY.

Abstract

Improving the quality of nursing care is a key global priority in nursing management, as it significantly impacts patients' health outcomes and quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting nursing care quality and its influence on patient health outcomes in the medical wards of Kisumu County Referral Hospital (KCRH). This theoretical framework seeks to elevate nursing care delivery beyond current standards. A mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research, was used. The study applied exploratory and cross-sectional designs to examine the variables impacting nursing care in a hospital setting. Target participants included patients in the medical ward and nursing staff at KCRH. Using the sample size determination method by Mugenda and Mugenda (1999), a total of 32 participants were selected: 24 patients, 4 nursing officers, and 4 student nurses. Convenient and purposive sampling techniques were employed. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires with closed-ended questions and interviews, conducted by the researcher. Data were cleaned, coded, and stored in a secure Excel database, then analyzed using SPSS software. Ethical principles were maintained at each research stage. The study identified several factors affecting nursing care quality, including the working environment, availability of medical supplies and equipment, staffing levels, workload, burnout, and patient health literacy. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhancing hospital infrastructure, decongesting wards for better workspace, ensuring timely procurement of essential medical supplies, increasing nursing staff to improve service delivery and reduce burnout, and educating patients to boost health literacy and promote positive health outcomes.

Improving the quality of nursing care is a key global priority in nursing management, as it significantly impacts patients' health outcomes and quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting nursing care quality and its influence on patient health outcomes in the medical wards of Kisumu County Referral Hospital (KCRH). This theoretical framework seeks to elevate nursing care delivery beyond current standards. A mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research, was used. The study applied exploratory and cross-sectional designs to examine the variables impacting nursing care in a hospital setting. Target participants included patients in the medical ward and nursing staff at KCRH. Using the sample size determination method by Mugenda and Mugenda (1999), a total of 32 participants were selected: 24 patients, 4 nursing officers, and 4 student nurses. Convenient and purposive sampling techniques were employed. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires with closed-ended questions and interviews, conducted by the researcher. Data were cleaned, coded, and stored in a secure Excel database, then analyzed using SPSS software. Ethical principles were maintained at each research stage. The study identified several factors affecting nursing care quality, including the working environment, availability of medical supplies and equipment, staffing levels, workload, burnout, and patient health literacy. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhancing hospital infrastructure, decongesting wards for better workspace, ensuring timely procurement of essential medical supplies, increasing nursing staff to improve service delivery and reduce burnout, and educating patients to boost health literacy and promote positive health outcomes.

Improving the quality of nursing care is a key global priority in nursing management, as it significantly impacts patients' health outcomes and quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting nursing care quality and its influence on patient health outcomes in the medical wards of Kisumu County Referral Hospital (KCRH). This theoretical framework seeks to elevate nursing care delivery beyond current standards. A mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research, was used. The study applied exploratory and cross-sectional designs to examine the variables impacting nursing care in a hospital setting. Target participants included patients in the medical ward and nursing staff at KCRH. Using the sample size determination method by Mugenda and Mugenda (1999), a total of 32 participants were selected: 24 patients, 4 nursing officers, and 4 student nurses. Convenient and purposive sampling techniques were employed. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires with closed-ended questions and interviews, conducted by the researcher. Data were cleaned, coded, and stored in a secure Excel database, then analyzed using SPSS software. Ethical principles were maintained at each research stage. The study identified several factors affecting nursing care quality, including the working environment, availability of medical supplies and equipment, staffing levels, workload, burnout, and patient health literacy. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhancing hospital infrastructure, decongesting wards for better workspace, ensuring timely procurement of essential medical supplies, increasing nursing staff to improve service delivery and reduce burnout, and educating patients to boost health literacy and promote positive health outcomes.