2021 Volume 25 Issue 1 Pages 55-63
Purpose: Lean work cell nursing implementation is reported to enhance time spent with patients. In this study, we investigated patient perceptions of this nursing style.
Methods: From November 1 to December 1, 2018, we performed a questionnaire survey. A 5-point Likert scale of 4 to 0 was used for scaling responses to 7 questions about topics including Q1: the presence of nurses, Q2: feelings of security, Q3: nurse awareness, Q4: working attitudes, Q5: loudness of nurse's voice, Q6: a feeling of being watched and Q7: privacy protection.
Results: The number of responses received from 537 patients at discharge varied depending on the question item, ranging from 472 to 519 (valid response rate, 87.9% to 96.6%). The median of the scores was 4 in Q3, Q6, Q7, and 3 in Q1, Q2, Q4, Q5. There were statistically significant age-related relationships with patient perceptions in Q1, Q2, Q4 and Q5 (p<0.05). Sex and the ward structures did not show a significant relationship in any of the 7 questions. None of the patients in a private room ward chose score 1, positive denial, in any of the 7 questions.
Discussion: These results may indicate that more care for older patients and a generalization of the care services in private room wards may advance patient-centered care and improve patient perceptions in all wards.
Conclusion: Lean work cell nursing implementation can keep patient perceptions high including that of privacy protection despite the enhanced time spent in proximity.
