STRATEGIC QUALITY MANAGEMENT OF PROCESSES IN NURSING SERVICES WITHIN INTERNAL AND GENERAL MEDICINE UNITS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE IN HEALTH SYSTEMS
Journal
Georgian medical news
ISSN
15120112
Date Issued
2024
Author(s)
Gaibor-González, Mariela
Bonilla-Jurado, Diego
Zumba-Novay, Ember
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Objective of the study: The study focuses on the importance of quality nursing care in internal medicine, especially for patient recovery in complex cases. Variability in nursing practices can lead to inconsistent outcomes, and Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is suggested as a strategy to standardize care and improve quality of service. The study evaluates the quality of nursing care in the province of Tungurahua, Ecuador from the perspectives of nurses and patients. Materials and Methods: Using the SERVQUAL model, the study evaluates the quality of nursing services through surveys focused on dimensions such as tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, safety, and empathy. The HS-EBP questionnaire was adapted to measure EBP among nurses. The study included 137 patients and 12 nurses from the Internal and General Medicine Service. Results: A moderate positive correlation was found between nursing education and perceived quality of service (r = 0.430), and between the use of research and perceived reliability of care (r = 0.405). However, there are barriers to the systematic application of EBP, and the study emphasizes the need to focus on both technical evaluation and empathy to improve service quality. Conclusions: The integration of EBP is essential to improve the quality of nursing care in internal and general medicine, but it is also important to address the organizational and interpersonal factors that affect patients' perceptions. A holistic approach that combines professional development, evidence-based practices, and patient-centered care is recommended to improve standards in internal medicine.