Investigating the relationship between moral sensitivity and missed nursing care among nurses: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Missed nursing care is a significant issue in healthcare systems that can compromise patient safety. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between moral sensitivity and missed nursing care among nurses. This descriptive-correlational study was conducted in 2024. A sample of 120 nurses from the internal and surgical wards of educational hospitals in Urmia was selected using quota sampling. Data collection tools included a demographic information form, Lutzen’s Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire, and Kalisch’s Missed Nursing Care Questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, multiple regression, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA in SPSS version 26. The mean score for moral sensitivity was 76.45 ± 4.7, and for missed nursing care, it was 46.45 ± 5.5. A significant inverse correlation was observed between moral sensitivity and missed nursing care (r = -0.25, P < 0.05). Additionally, education level and work shift were significantly associated with missed nursing care (P < 0.05). The findings indicate that higher moral sensitivity among nurses is associated with a lower incidence of missed nursing care. Therefore, it is recommended that managers develop programs to enhance nurses’ moral sensitivity to reduce missed nursing care and improve the quality of nursing care.