A new study has revealed what many patients and nurses have long suspected: care in general wards in Vienna’s hospitals is deteriorating.
The quality of care in the general wards in hospitals is deteriorating. This was confirmed by the Karl Landsteiner University of Nursing Sciences’ Misscare study based on a representative survey of 1,006 nurses. Conclusion: 84 percent should reduce or completely eliminate at least one activity that is important for treatment (see chart below).
Serious Effects
In particular, personal conversations with patients or relatives, but also medication control, are neglected. “All of this can have serious consequences: infections, falls, or pressure ulcers because the patient is not in bed correctly,” says study author Ana Cartaxo.
One of the reasons for this is the staff shortage. On average there are 18 (!) patients per shift for one nurse. Nearly 68 percent of those surveyed stated that the staffing situation was rarely, if ever, appropriate in the past three months. No wonder 75 percent of nursing staff are considering leaving the profession.
Thousands of nurses are missing
“Covid has exacerbated the situation. But: this problem has existed for years,” emphasizes teacher Hanna Mayer. And: “Blocking beds alone is not a solution. Our health care system needs a major overhaul.” These numbers also show that there is more going bad than good: 7,800 nurses are missing across Austria. About 3000 more than a year ago. In addition to the pensions, this is due to the high exit percentage.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
