An investigation into the effects of the staffing moratorium on patient care in the Irish acute hospital sector [printed text] / Tony Fitzpatrick, Author ; IBAT College Dublin, ; Ciaran Hayden, Thesis advisor . - 2012 . - x, 112 p. : ill. (col), includes bibliographical references pp. 77-86, and abstract ; 31 cm.
ISSN : DISS3
Dissertation (MBA) -- IBAT College Dublin, 2012.

Keywords:	Staffing,  Moratorium,  Quality,  Healthcare,  Patient,  Safety,  Outcome
Class number:	658:DFIT
Abstract:	A study into the effects of the staffing moratorium (employment control framework) on patient care in the Irish acute hospital sector was viewed by the author as a very important and timely piece of research considering that the staffing moratorium has being in position since 2009. This study aims to investigate the effects if any of the staffing moratorium on frontline nurse staffing levels and patient care from the perspective of nurses working on the frontline. The objective was to quantify if there was a reduction i nurse staffing levels and if so to clarify the effect this was having on patient care and staff morale in the public health service. The researcher conducted a comprehensive critique of the academic literature from around the world so as to understand the relationship between reduced registered nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes. Also, the researcher gained an insight into the practical repercussions by examining the outcomes of various inquiries, primarily focusing on the Mid Staffordshire NHS trust. This heightened the author's comprehension of the implications for patients, staff and organisations if managements focus was on headcount reduction and finance rather than the provision of safe quality care by efficient and cost-effective means. The author outlines the lessons and learning from those inquiries and explores academic and practical lessons of best practice which ensures the provision of appropriate staffing and skill mix to provide optimum levels of patient care. Subjects examined include workplace planning, safe systems of work, assessment of workload, staffing and skill mix requirements, patient outcomes, accountability and leadership. The author used both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to research this important subject which are outlined in Chapter 3. The results of the survey and in-depth interviews are analysed in detail in Chapter 4. The findings are most concerning to the researcher and indicate that the conditions identifed as prevailing in the Mid Staffordshire report now exist in the Irish acute care sector. The results of the survey are comparable to previous research and add to the evidence that reduced nurse staffing levels impacts negatively on patient care, staff morale and organisational performance. The conclusions and recommendations if embraced could form the basis of a strategic plan to lead the health service back out of this present maelstrom.