QUALITY OF NURSING CARE AMONG THE STUDENT NURSES OF MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES: A BASIS FOR QUALITY OF NURSING PROGRAM ENHANCEMENT

Abstract

The study investigates the quality of nursing care provided by student nurses in the Medical Colleges of Northern Philippines. Employing Donabedian's theory, it assesses structural, processual, and outcome components to identify strengths and areas for improvement in nursing education and training programs. The research addresses the persistent theory-practice gap in nursing education, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the overall quality of healthcare delivery in the region. A descriptive-inferential design was utilized, involving level 2, 3, and 4 student nurses from the Medical Colleges of Northern Philippines. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, focusing on respondent profiles (sex, socio-economic status, year level) and the quality of care rendered (effectiveness, safety, patient-centeredness, timeliness, equity, integration, efficiency). Quantitative data analysis included Likert scale ratings, frequency counts, weighted means, and ANOVA to determine significant differences based on respondent profiles.  The study revealed varying levels of quality in nursing care across different dimensions. Key findings indicated that student nurses generally provided effective and safe care, with notable strengths in patient-centeredness and timeliness. However, disparities were found in equity and integration of care, highlighting areas requiring targeted improvements. Significant differences in quality assessments were observed when data were grouped according to socio-economic status and year level, suggesting these factors influence care quality. The results underscore the importance of enhancing nursing curricula and clinical training protocols to bridge the theory practice gap. Recommendations include integrating more simulation-based learning and increasing support for diverse socio-economic backgrounds to ensure equitable and comprehensive training for all student nurses. Continuous quality improvement initiatives are essential to maintain high standards of nursing education and practice. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the quality of nursing care delivered by student nurses in Northern Philippines, identifying both strengths and areas for improvement. By leveraging Donabedian’s framework, the research offers actionable insights for enhancing nursing education, ultimately contributing to better healthcare outcomes in the region.