Aims and objectives: To establish a set of scientific and practical nursing care quality evaluation indicators for PACU in China.
Background: No unified nursing care quality evaluation indicators for post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) were found in China.
Design: An international literature review, domestic cross-sectional survey and two-round e-Delphi study.
Methods: The international literature review and domestic cross-sectional survey were conducted to identify the potential nursing care quality evaluation indicators for PACU. A total of 38 and 32 indicators were extracted from 24 articles and the cross-sectional survey respectively. Two rounds of e-Delphi study were conducted to collect opinions from a panel of 20 independent experts and establish the final version of the nursing care quality evaluation indicators for PACU. A GRRAS checklist was used to guide the reporting of this study.
Results: Of 20 experts, 19 completed the first round of e-Delphi study and 18 completed the second round, with a response rate of 95% and 90% respectively. The experts' authority coefficient in the two rounds of e-Delphi study was 0.91 and 0.90 respectively. The Kendall W value of the two rounds ranged between 0.108 and 0.385 (p < .01). Four structure indicators, 12 process indicators and seven outcome indicators were included in the nursing care quality evaluation indicators for PACU.
Conclusions: With the methods of literature review, cross-sectional survey and e-Delphi study, we established a set of scientific and practical nursing care quality evaluation indicators for PACU, to improve the nursing care quality, reduce incidence of complications and ensure patient safety.
Relevant to clinical practice: The findings from this study enable nurses and managers in PACU settings to evaluate clinical nursing care quality using a robust framework.
Keywords: Delphi study; perioperative nursing; post-anaesthesia care unit; quality management.
© 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.