Implementing a Rapid Response Team: A Quality Improvement Project in a Low- to Middle-Income Country.

Background: The benefits of rapid response teams (RRTs) have been controversial with few studies conducted in low- to middle-income countries.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of implementing an RRT on 4 patient outcomes.

Methods: We conducted a quality improvement pre-and-post design using the Plan-Do-Study-Act model in a tertiary hospital in a low- to middle-income country.

Moral and Professional Values of Nurses in Lebanon.

Background: Moral and professional values vary among cultures. The purpose of this study was to explore the moral and professional values of registered nurses at a university medical center in a Middle Eastern country and determine the relationship among formal ethics education, background variables (age, gender, nursing degree, regular daily prayer), and nurses' professional and moral values.

Method: A cross-sectional survey method with 123 nurses was used.

Achieving a Zero Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Rate in 4 Critical Care Units in Lebanon.

Every health care facility aims to achieve and maintain a zero central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rate. Infections can be costly for institutions of any size and are often not covered by health insurance. The interventions put in place in this quality improvement project were implemented in 4 phases: (1) develop a new standard of care for central lines and give nurses full responsibility for the care and handling of these lines (including blood sampling); (2) revise policy and provide educational sessions to support nurses; (3) document compliance with the new policy; and (4) document CLABSI rates.

Evidence on Nurse Staffing Ratios and Patient Outcomes in a Low-Income Country: Implications for Future Research and Practice.

Background: Conclusive evidence on the effect of nurse staffing ratios on nurse-sensitive outcomes (NSOs) has not yet been achieved worldwide.

Aims: To describe the relationship between nurse staffing and NSOs at a Magnet designated, university hospital a low-income country.

Methods: A 48-month prospective study assessed the relationship between nurse staffing and six patient outcomes or NSOs in medical-surgical units and critical care units (CCUs).

Psychometric Testing of a Comprehensive Patient Satisfaction Survey in Arabic.

Background And Purpose: Although patient satisfaction is an important indicator of the quality of care received in hospitals, no reliable and valid Arabic comprehensive inpatient satisfaction survey has been published. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of an Arabic patient satisfaction survey.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was used where 1,339 randomly selected patients were interviewed by phone.