Begin by selecting a topic in nursing. Next, use PICOT to format possible research questions about that topic. Provide 3 possible PICOT research questions. The teacher wants us to create the research question on the article for our previous homework. I will attach the articles. There are two articles and you can choose one of the two articles attached and create 3 research questions.

QUESTION

Begin by selecting a topic in nursing. Next, use PICOT to format possible research questions about that topic. Provide 3 possible PICOT research questions.
The teacher wants us to create the research question on the article for our previous homework. I will attach the articles. There are two articles and you can choose one of the two articles attached and create 3 research questions.

Include the following:

• Title page

• Provide a brief description of the topic and background information.

• Explain the significance of the topic to nursing practice.

• Provide 3 clearly stated PICOT questions.

Your paper should:

• Be 2 pages (not including the title page and reference page)

• Use current APA format to style your paper and to cite your sources.

The research question should be specific, NOT broad on the same topic as for the article that previously done which I will attach and you can choose one of these two articles.
Please please make sure you follow the format /instruction and rubric. The rubric is attached in upload file area.

ANSWER

 The Impact of Nurse-to-Patient Ratio on Patient Outcomes in Intensive Care Units

Description of the Topic and Background Information

The topic of this research is the impact of nurse-to-patient ratio on patient outcomes in intensive care units (ICUs). Nurse-to-patient ratio refers to the number of patients assigned to a single nurse in a healthcare setting (Sharma & Rani, 2020). In the critical care setting, such as ICUs, patients require intensive monitoring, complex care interventions, and continuous attention. The nurse-to-patient ratio plays a crucial role in determining the quality of care provided and patient outcomes in these settings.

Significance of the Topic to Nursing Practice

The nurse-to-patient ratio is a critical aspect of nursing practice, particularly in intensive care units where patient conditions can rapidly deteriorate. Adequate staffing and optimal nurse-to-patient ratios have been linked to improved patient outcomes, including reduced mortality rates, decreased complications, and better overall quality of care (Clarke, 2008). Understanding the impact of nurse-to-patient ratios on patient outcomes is essential for nursing practice, as it can inform staffing policies and help improve the delivery of care in critical care settings.

PICOT Research Questions

1. In critically ill adult patients in intensive care units (P), does a lower nurse-to-patient ratio (I) compared to a higher nurse-to-patient ratio (C) result in reduced mortality rates and decreased incidence of complications (O) during their hospital stay (T)?
2. In pediatric patients admitted to intensive care units (P), does maintaining a specific nurse-to-patient ratio (I) compared to a variable nurse-to-patient ratio (C) lead to improved patient outcomes, including reduced length of stay and decreased rates of healthcare-associated infections (O)?
3. In elderly patients with chronic conditions admitted to intensive care units (P), does a higher nurse-to-patient ratio (I) compared to a lower nurse-to-patient ratio (C) contribute to enhanced patient safety, such as reduced falls and medication errors (O), during their hospitalization (T)?

These research questions aim to explore the relationship between nurse-to-patient ratio and patient outcomes in different populations admitted to intensive care units (Nursing and Patient Safety, 2019). Conducting studies based on these questions can provide valuable insights into the importance of appropriate staffing levels in critical care settings, ultimately helping improve nursing practice and enhance patient care.

References

Clarke, S. P. (2008, April 1). Nurse staffing and patient care quality and safety. Patient Safety and Quality – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2676/ 

Nursing and patient safety. (2019, September 7). PSNet. https://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer/nursing-and-patient-safety 

Sharma, S. K., & Rani, R. (2020). Nurse-to-patient ratio and nurse staffing norms for hospitals in India: A critical analysis of national benchmarks. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 9(6), 2631. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_248_20