Evaluation of Care Behaviors and Hourly Nursing Rounds in Saudi Hospitals from a Nursing Practice Perspective

Abstract

Background: Caring behaviors in nursing are essential for improving patient safety, satisfaction, and overall healthcare outcomes. Hourly nursing rounds have been implemented to enhance patient care, prevent missed care, and reduce adverse events such as falls and pressure ulcers. However, nurses’ perceptions of hourly rounding and caring behaviors vary based on experience, unit assignments, and institutional support.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess nurses' perceptions of caring behaviors and hourly rounding in Saudi hospitals and explore the association between demographic factors and these perceptions.

Methods: A descriptive correlational study was conducted among 315 nurses working in various hospital units in Saudi Arabia. A quota-random sampling technique was used, and data were collected via an online self-administered questionnaire, including the Hourly Rounding Questionnaire (HRQ) and the Caring Dimensions Inventory (CDI-25). Statistical analyses, including the t-test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Pearson correlation, were performed to examine differences and associations.

Results: Nurses showed high agreement that hourly rounding improves patient safety by preventing falls (87.9%) and pressure ulcers (87.2%). However, the lowest agreement was in areas related to documentation and post-implementation support. The mean caring behavior score was high, with technical aspects (e.g., measuring vital signs and providing privacy) scoring higher than psychosocial aspects (e.g., sitting with patients and exploring their lifestyles). Significant differences in perceptions of hourly rounding were found based on gender (p = 0.032), years of experience (p = 0.034), and work units (p = 0.016). Similarly, caring perceptions significantly differed based on years of experience (p = 0.030) and working units (p = 0.010). A strong positive correlation was found between nurses’ perceptions of hourly rounding and caring behaviors.

Conclusion: This study highlights the critical role of hourly rounding in improving patient safety and underscores the need for structured protocols, ongoing support, and enhanced training to ensure the effectiveness of caring behaviors in nursing practice.