Nurses' Experience of Delivering One‐to‐One Observations in Acute Non‐Psychiatric Hospitals: An Integrative Review

ABSTRACT

Aim

To explore the experience of nursing staff who provide one-to-one observations for patients aged ≥ 18 years admitted to acute hospitals.

Design

Integrative review reported in accordance with the method described by Wittemore and Knafl (2005) which focused on the period 2000–2024.

Method

Papers were included if they reported on novel studies, service or educational improvement interventions. All studies were critically appraised for quality; no study was excluded because of methodological quality. Included data were synthesised narratively.

Data Sources

Eight databases were searched in August 2024. Search terms related to nurses' experience and one-to-one observations, with no restrictions placed on language.

Results

Nine papers were included. Nurses' experience of delivering one-to-one observations ranged from ‘frightening’ to ‘satisfying’. Nursing staff were more likely to have a positive experience if they had access to training on delivering one-to-one observations, felt themselves part of a cohesive team and worked in an organisation with a supportive culture.

Conclusion

Nurses' experience of delivering one-to-one observations is influenced by organisational factors, sense of teamwork and access (or lack thereof) to relevant training.

Reporting Method

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used to report the review findings.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.