Missed nursing care among nursing students: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Nursing students report facing inconsistencies between theoretical knowledge and actualities of clinical practice, and research indicates they witness missed nursing care during clinical practice. Understanding nursing students' experiences can inform improved clinical learning environments and enhance patient care quality. Recently, research has focused on students' views regarding missed care, yet comprehensive understandings of this phenomenon are lacking.

Objective: This review explored what is known about missed nursing care from perspectives of nursing students.

Design: A scoping review according to Arksey and O'Malley's framework and Joanna Briggs Institute methodology was undertaken.

Data sources: Key databases were searched, including Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, ProQuest, PsycINFO and Web of Science in August 2023.

Review methods: The review included qualitative, quantitative, and structured literature reviews published in English between 2006 and 2023. Inclusion and exclusion criteria and keywords guided the search. Data screening and extraction were independently performed by two reviewers. Included studies were analysed using descriptive statistics and narrative synthesis. Findings are reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR.

Results: Of the 5873 articles identified, nine were included in the review. Studies were conducted in seven countries. Themes in students' perceptions included negligence of patients' rights and dignity, living in limbo, and pragmatic acceptance. Reasons for missed care included ineffective teamwork, lack of interest in caring, and inefficient leadership. Missed nursing care adversely affected patient health, hindered student learning and professional growth. Strategies for improvement included enhancing teamwork, enforcing ethical issues, increasing supervision, and creating commitment to work.

Conclusion: Missed nursing care affects patient safety and education of nursing students. Incorporating practical training modules into curricula, establishing preceptorship programs, and incorporating ethics education into clinical practice are crucial to address missed nursing care. Further research in diverse settings is warranted.

Keywords: Missed nursing care; Nursing students; Scoping review; Unfinished care.