Sociodemographic and work environment correlates of missed nursing care at highly specialized hospitals in Mexico: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background . Despite its direct relevance to quality of care, little is known about missed nursing care or its sociodemographic and work environment correlates at highly specialized hospitals in low- and middle-income countries. Objective . To analyze the frequency of missed nursing care among Mexican nursing professionals, and to assess its associated sociodemographic and labor-related predictors. Design and methods . A cross-sectional, observational study based on data collected from 315 nursing professionals in 11 highly specialized public hospitals in Mexico. We assessed missed nursing care both as a total figure and according to the four dimensions of the MISSCARE inventory. We estimated its sociodemographic and work-related predictors using fractional logistic analysis. Results . The global score for missed nursing care was 15.21%: 7.94% concerned individual needs, 9.37% discharge planning and patient education, 18.10% basic care, and 1.59% care under continuous assessment. The odds of engaging in missed nursing care increased with age and were higher among women and night-shift workers. In contrast, they decreased among nursing professionals who were satisfied with their jobs, and among those working in suitable environments. Conclusions . Missed nursing care in highly specialized public hospitals is associated with the sociodemographic characteristics and labor-related conditions –including the work environments– of the nurses. Given its impact on both health-care users and institutions, further research on the subject is urgently needed. It is essential to improve the design, implementation and evaluation of comprehensive strategies aimed at reducing the frequency of missed nursing care and achieving universal health coverage.