Quality Indicators of Geriatric Nursing in Hospital Settings

Abstract

  This study was conducted to examine quality indicators of geriatric nursing in hospital settings. Quality indicators of 17 categories and 80 items were made. Nine gerontological certified nurse specialists evaluated the items by RAND/UCLA appropriateness method. Questionnaires were mailed twice to the nurses. Each quality indicator was assessed on 9-point Likert-type scales: 78 of 80 items were rated as “appropriate” with a median of over 7 points, 2 items were rated as “intermediate” with a median of 4-6 points, and no items were rated as “inappropriate” at the first round evaluation. Second round evaluation was conducted using the same 80 items, and all of the 80 items were rated as appropriate. Additionally, categories such as prevention of pressure ulcer, comprehensive geriatric assessment, pain management, delirium prevention and management, physical restraint reduction and management, and discharge planning were rated as “high” with a median of over 7 points.