Workplace Predictors of Quality and Safe Patient Care Delivery Among Nurses Using Machine Learning Techniques

BACKGROUND: Working in unhealthy environments is associated with negative nurse and patient outcomes. Previous body of evidence in this area is limited as it investigated only a few factors within nurses' workplaces. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the most important workplace factors predicting nurses' provision of quality and safe patient care using a 13-factor measure of workplace conditions. METHODS: A cross-sectional correlational survey study involving 4029 direct care nurses in British Columbia was conducted using random forest data analytics methods. RESULTS: Nurses' reports of healthier workplaces, particularly workload management, psychological protection, physical safety and engagement, were associated with higher ratings of quality and safe patient care. CONCLUSION: These workplace conditions are perceived to impact patient care through influencing nurses' mental health. To ensure a high standard of patient care, data-driven policies and interventions promoting overall nurse mental health and well-being are urgently required.