TABLE 3.
Differences in perception of reasons for rationing of nursing care by unit type.
| Reasons for rationing of nursing care | Unit | Median | Mean a | SD | Min | Max | p b | 
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inadequate number of staff | Surgical | 5 | 4.85 | 3.21 | 0 | 10 | <0.001 | 
| Medical | 5 | 5.32 | 3.17 | 0 | 10 | ||
| Inadequate number of assistive personnel | Surgical | 5 | 4.67 | 3.15 | 0 | 10 | <0.001 | 
| Medical | 5 | 5.15 | 3.11 | 0 | 10 | ||
| Unexpected patient admission and discharge | Surgical | 4 | 4.41 | 2.78 | 0 | 10 | <0.001 | 
| Medical | 5 | 4.88 | 2.96 | 0 | 10 | ||
| Deterioration of the condition of a patient | Surgical | 3 | 3.61 | 2.53 | 0 | 10 | <0.001 | 
| Medical | 4 | 4.41 | 2.73 | 0 | 10 | ||
| Communication problems with doctors in the department | Surgical | 3 | 3.00 | 2.50 | 0 | 10 | 0.0165 | 
| Medical | 2 | 2.93 | 2.63 | 0 | 10 | ||
| Supplies/equipment not available when needed, or not functioning properly | Surgical | 2 | 2.39 | 2.29 | 0 | 10 | <0.001 | 
| Medical | 2 | 2.72 | 2.47 | 0 | 10 | ||
| Inadequate hand‐off from previous shift or from other department | Surgical | 2 | 2.23 | 2.05 | 0 | 10 | <0.001 | 
| Medical | 2 | 2.70 | 2.35 | 0 | 10 | ||
| Nursing assistant did not communicate that planned activities of nursing care were not provided | Surgical | 1 | 2.11 | 2.23 | 0 | 10 | <0.001 | 
| Medical | 2 | 2.56 | 2.46 | 0 | 10 | ||
| Lack of cooperation and/or help from team members | Surgical | 1 | 2.01 | 2.03 | 0 | 10 | <0.001 | 
| Medical | 2 | 2.40 | 2.33 | 0 | 10 | ||
| Communication problems within the nursing team | Surgical | 1 | 1.93 | 1.97 | 0 | 10 | <0.001 | 
| Medical | 2 | 2.33 | 2.29 | 0 | 10 | 
Note: Bold values are the most significant reasons.
0 – a not significant reason; 10 – the most significant reason.
Mann–Whitney test.