Delivering Patient Education in Healthcare Organizations: An Integrative Review of the Nursing Administrative Actions

Abstract

Aim. To analyze the literature on nursing administrative actions related to patient education to inform healthcare organizations for the development of patient education and identify the knowledge gaps for future research. Background. Patient education is a patient’s right, yet numerous organizational factors can hinder the effective delivery of patient education. Nursing administrative actions can mediate these factors, but little is known about nursing administration in patient education. Evaluation. A systematic integrative review was conducted in October 2022 on five databases (CINAHL (Ebsco), PubMed, Web of Science, ABI/Inform, and Business Source Complete). No time limitations were set. Empirical research articles reporting nursing administrative actions related to educational actions as a main topic were screened and evaluated. The data analysis was based on a constant comparison method. Key Issues. There were 3,110 studies identified, of which five quantitative and four qualitative studies were included. Three main themes were generated from the data describing nursing administrative actions related to patient education: (1) strengthen the commitment to patient education, (2) ensure the necessary resources for patient education, and (3) enhance patient education policies. Conclusion. This review provides insights into nursing administration in patient education, focusing on commitment, resources, and policies. It not only highlights the critical role of nurse administrators but also calls for further research to assess the impact of these actions. Implications for Nursing Management. The findings of this review will be useful for nurse administrators by providing knowledge about nursing administrative actions in patient education and underlining the need for them to pay more attention to it. The implications for nursing management also include supporting further research in the field.