Factors affecting the implementation of national nursing services accreditation standards as perceived by nursing staff

Abstract

Background Hospital accreditation programs, which have been implemented in many developing countries, are used as a cornerstone for ensuring a basic level of quality. Nurses play an important role in achieving accreditation standards. Aim To assess the factors affecting the implementation of national nursing services accreditation standards (NNSAS) as perceived by the nursing staff. Design A descriptive exploratory design was used to collect data. Sample A convenience sample of 411 nursing staff who were available and accepted to participate in this study at the time of data collection was included. Setting The study was conducted at El Mahalla El Kobra General Hospital and El Mahalla Cardiac Center. Tools A tool was used to collect data on factors affecting the implementation of nursing services accreditation standards questionnaire. It had two parts as follows: personal data questionnaire and factors affecting the implementation of nursing services accreditation standards questionnaire. Results The results indicated that more than half of the study participants had high agreement about total factors affecting implementation of NNSAS. Other factors parameter was the highest dimension affecting implementation of NNSAS, whereas financial incentives was the lowest from studied nursing staff point of view. Conclusion The first most important factor that affects implementation of NNSAS is the dimension of other factors, followed by medical records and information management. Then regulations, policies, and procedures governing the work were the third most important factor. Recommendations Allocation of sufficient financial and human resources for the application of quality and accreditation standards should be done.