Critical Care Nursing in Hong Kong

Authors

  • Hang Mui So
  • Xi Cao

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1891/1748-6254.12.3.70

Keywords:

critical care unit, nursing shortage, turnover, Hong Kong

Abstract

Background: Nursing shortage, especially in critical care unit, has become a big concern worldwide.

Aim: This study aimed to provide the current states of critical care nursing in Hong Kong.

Methods: A literature search was conducted. Findings were narratively summarized.

Findings: Hong Kong faces an increasing demands in critical care service. However, the shortage of nursing manpower in ICU imposes challenges to meet such demands as well as the quality of critical care. Hospital authority has implemented various strategies such as the development of practice through Specialty Advisory Group (Critical Care) and Coordinating Committee in Intensive Care to address these issues.

Conclusion: Efforts from all stakeholders are needed to meet the demands and improve the quality of critical care.

References

Chan, Z. C., Tam, W. S., Lung, M. K., Wong, W. Y., & Chau, C. W. (2013). A systematic literature review of nurse shortage and the intention to leave. Journal of Nursing Management, 21(4), 605–613. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2834.2012.01437.x

Hong Kong Society of Critical Care Medicine. (2009). Development of ICU in Hong Kong. Retrieved from http://hksccm.org/index.php/icus/39-development-of-icus-in-hong-kong/142-development-of-icu-in-hong-kong

Hospital Authority. (2017). Innovating for better care: Strategic plan 2017–2020. Retrieved from http://www.ha.org.hk/haho/ho/ap/HA-SP_1.pdf

Intensive Care National Audit & Research Center. (2012). National and international benchmarked analysis of Hong Kong hospital authority intensive care unit data: Report on 2010 data (trends 2007–2010). Unpublished internal data

Legislative Council Panel on Health Service. (2018). Progress updates: Reviews on hospital authority and on healthcare manpower planning and professional development. Retrieved from https://www.legco.gov.hk/yr17-18/english/panels/hs/.../hs20180115cb2-656-3-e.pdf

The Nursing Council of Hong Kong (HKNC). (2017). Statistics and lists of nurses. Retrieved from http://www.nchk.org.hk/en/statistics_and_lists_of_nurses/statistics/index.html

Nursing Services Department, Hospital Authority Head Office. (2009). Specialty advisory group. Retrieved from http://www.ha.org.hk/nurse/nursing/nursing.html

Toh, S. G., Ang, E., & Devi, M. K. (2012). Systematic review on the relationship between the nursing shortage and job satisfaction, stress and burnout levels among nurses in oncology/haematology settings. International Journal of Evidence-based Healthcare, 10(2), 126–141. doi:10.1111/j.1744-1609.2012.00271.x

Tsang, E. (2016). Inside Hong Kong's public hospital crisis: Temporary beds angry patients, nurses and doctors stretched to breaking point. Retrieved from http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/1931049/inside-hong-kongs-public-hospital-crisis-temporary

Wagner, J., Gabler, N. B., Ratcliffe, S. J., Brown, S. E., Strom, B. L., & Halpern, S. D. (2013). Outcomes among patients discharged from busy intensive care units. Annals of Internal Medicine, 159(7), 447–455. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-159-7-201310010-00004

Yeung, C. (2016). Hospitals hit as top nurses quit for better jobs. The Standard. Retrieved from http://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news.php?id=173136

Zhang, L. F., You, L. M., Liu, K., Zheng, J., Fang, J. B., Lu, M. M., & Wu, X. (2014). The association of Chinese hospital work environment with nurse burnout, job satisfaction, and intention to leave. Nursing Outlook, 62(2), 128–137. doi:10.1016/j.outlook.2013.10.010

Downloads

Published

2018-09-01