Effect of positive reinforcement nursing combined with standardized detailed care in emergency infusion patients

Abstract

Intravenous infusion is a common and critical treatment modality in the emergency department. Optimizing infusion nursing quality is essential for improving patient clinical outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of positive reinforcement nursing interventions in patients receiving emergency infusions. This retrospective study included 971 patients who underwent infusion therapy in the emergency department from February 2023 to February 2024. Based on different nursing interventions, patients were divided into the experimental group (476 patients receiving positive reinforcement nursing) and the control group (495 patients receiving routine nursing). After propensity score matching, each group comprised 320 patients. Data collected included general patient information, Modified Early Warning Score, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Visual Analog Scale for pain, nursing satisfaction, and Nottingham Health Profile quality of life scores. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software, with a significance level set at P < .05. Post-matching, there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the 2 groups (P > .05). On the first and third days of infusion, the experimental group exhibited significantly lower Visual Analog Scale scores compared to the control group (P < .05). Following nursing interventions, the experimental group showed significantly lower Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale scores than the control group (P < .001). Regarding infusion-related adverse events, the experimental group had a significantly lower incidence of repeated punctures and redness/swelling at the puncture site compared to the control group (P < .05). In terms of nursing satisfaction, the experimental group scored significantly higher in nursing skills, infusion room environment, and infusion management compared to the control group (P < .05). For quality of life, the experimental group had significantly lower Nottingham Health Profile scores in all dimensions except social life compared to the control group (P < .05). Positive reinforcement nursing interventions significantly reduce pain perception in emergency infusion patients, improve their psychological state, decrease the incidence of infusion-related adverse events, and enhance nursing satisfaction and quality of life. These findings highlight the clinical value of integrating positive reinforcement strategies into infusion nursing practices in emergency settings.

Keywords: emergency; infusion; positive reinforcement nursing.

Figure 1.

Love plot showing covariate balance before and after propensity score matching.