Longitudinal Change of Nursing Activities Considering Home Care of Hospital Nurses in Gunma Prefecture

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study was to describe current nursing practice of hospital nurses for patients discharged to their homes, and the longitudinal change of these practices in four years. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted on nurses at eleven hospitals of the prefecture in 2014 and 2018. Results: There were 2,136 responses (response rate 73.3%) in 2014, and 2,399 in 2018 (77.8%). "Understanding living conditions at home" and "documenting patient instructions in nursing summaries" were frequently practiced, while "utilization of social resources" , "understanding residential area and housing floor plans" , and "consulting doctors on decreasing number and dose of drugs" was low. The rates of nursing activity practiced were related to age, years of experience, position in nursing, and training in home care nursing. Conclusions: The rates of nursing activities practiced increased significantly in nurses whose positions were higher, and in institutions with low rates in the first survey. We hope to continue further assessment to show nursing activity rates based on experience level and roles of nurses.