Factors affecting the quality of nursing care in intensive care units

Care is the main focus of the nursing profession, and nurses are from the largest group of healthcare providers. They play a fundamental role in the provision and maintenance of health services at various levels [۱]. Nurses can have a direct impact on the health status of patients. Therefore, it is essential for them to possess the necessary skills and sufficient insight, especially in critical care units [۲].In intensive care units (ICUs), patients who are critically ill, or on the verge of life and death, are treated [۳]. Nursing in critical care units is one of the most advanced specialties in nursing and has been established in various countries for over half a century. It’s goal is to provide specialized care using the most advanced facilities for patients whose lives are at risk [۱]. In this department, due to factors such as the complexity of patients’ conditions and treatment processes, the presence of numerous electronic devices and equipment, patients’ lack of consciousness, their dependence on caregivers and life support devices, and the extensive use of oxygen, the likelihood of errors and adverse events is significantly increased, requiring careful attention. Therefore, the development and implementation of standards in the ICU has led to better patient survival, cost savings, a reduction in preventable deaths, and in turn, it improves the quality of patient care [۴].nursing care quality includes patients’ access to physical and psychosocial needs fulfillment, and patients’ trust to receive comprehensive and multidimensional care. It is evaluated in physical, psychosocial, and communicational dimensions. [۵]. The quality of nursing care in the ICU directly impacts patient outcomes, safety, and satisfaction.