While recent literature has suggested that ambiguity of patient outcomes may contribute to the occupational distress of emergency nurses, data to substantiate this is lacking.

This research explores if ambiguity about patient outcomes negatively impacts emergency nurses, and if ambiguity is demonstrated to cause this, the study will explore the frequency and scope of the impact on the personal and professional lives of emergency nurses

Emergency nurse participants were invited to complete a 17-item survey tool exploring their experience of ambiguity relating to patient outcomes and potential impact on their professional or personal life. Analysis of data collected from January – April 2023 was undertaken using descriptive statistical analysis.

176 (93.1%) of participants responded that they sometimes, often or always experienced ambiguity related to the clinical, social or personal outcomes for a patient or their significant others after presentation to the emergency department. Similarly, a strong majority reported negative impacts of this ambiguity on their professional practice (n = 158, 85.4%) and/or personal life (n= 141, 75.8%)

A large majority of the study sample report ambiguity relating to the clinical, social or personal outcomes of patients and/or their families after presenting to the emergency department (93.1%). Further, this ambiguity has a negative impact on the professional and personal lives of emergency nurses.

Ambiguity of patient outcomes has a significant impact on emergency nurses. Further study into this phenomena should be a priority of health services.

 

 
Rebecca, A, Caulfield1,2, Taneal, Wiseman1, Janice, Gullick1, Rebekah Ogilvie4

 
 

1.     Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sydney, NSW, 2620

2.     Emergency Department, Canberra Health Services, Garran, ACT, 2605 

3.     Canberra Health Service, Garran, ACT, 2605