The 48 hour patient - who reaps the rewards?

The purpose of this evaluative case study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 48 hour Medical Unit in relation to Patient Satisfaction, Patient Care, Nursing Staff Job satisfaction and the Average Length of Stay for patients' Pre and Post a Rapid Assessment Medical Unit's (RAMU) inception. The study used a combination of Patient Satisfaction Survey's, Interviews, and data of the average length of stay of patients pre and post RAMU. This report aims to provide a comprehensive description of the research process and the results obtained from the collection of data throughout this research project. An evaluative case study using Yin (2003), as a framework of this study was deemed appropriate, as no research to date had been conducted on 48 hours Medical Wards, because of their uniqueness. A case study allowed for "multiple sources of evidence gathering", thus ensuring that the findings to this study are more likely to be accurate if based on several different sources of information. Despite the study's limitations, the results to this study were surprisingly supportive and positive of those patients who had participated in this research project. Nursing Staff on both wards that participate in the interviews had a positive attitude in relation to how well RAMU is functioning. The findings indicate there are a few minor changes that are required and further research is recommended, however the hospital and staff have managed to find a formula that works extremely well in providing patient satisfaction, patient care and job satisfaction in a short period of time.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

rmaster

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Victoria University

Year dc:date.issued

2008

Author dc:creator

• Crozier, Rosemarie

• 320000 Medical and Health Sciences
• School of Nursing and Midwifery

Language dc:language

en