title: Factors Influencing RNs' Perceptions of Quality Geriatric Care in Rural Hospitals.
abstract: The rapidly aging population and their frequent use of hospital services will create substantial quality challenges in the near future. Redesigning rural hospital work environments is the key to improving the quality of care for older adults. This study explored how the work environment influences registered nurses' (RNs') perceived quality of geriatric care in rural hospitals. We used an exploratory mixed-methods research design emphasizing the qualitative data (in-depth, semi-structured interviews). Quantitative data (questionnaire) measuring the RN work environment were also collected to augment qualitative data. Four themes emerged: (a) collegial RN relationships, (b) poor staffing/utilization, (c) technology benefits/challenges, and (d) RN-physician interactions, which were identified as key factors influencing the quality of geriatric care. We concluded that rural hospital work environments may not be optimized to facilitate the delivery of quality geriatric care. Targeted interventions are needed to improve overall quality of care for hospitalized older adults in rural settings.
authors: University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA daniel.cline@ucdenver.edu.
authors: Daniel D
authors: DD
authors: Cline
authors: New York University, NY, USA.
authors: Victoria Vaughan
authors: VV
authors: Dickson
authors: New York University, NY, USA.
authors: Christine
authors: C
authors: Kovner
authors: New York University, NY, USA.
authors: Marie
authors: M
authors: Boltz
authors: The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
authors: Ann
authors: A
authors: Kolanowski
authors: New York University, NY, USA.
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Capezuti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000592:standards*; D006780:Hospitals, Rural / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology*; D010465:Perception; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: acute care; gerontology; location of care; methods; nurses; nurses as subjects; population focus; qualitative