The role of nurse education in improving patient outcomes and patient satisfaction with nursing care - A multiple case study of nursing teams in three hospitals across Ireland and Germany

Sep 4, 2026

Uploaded by William

This thesis investigates how nurse education influences patient outcomes and patient satisfaction with nursing care through a multiple case study involving nursing teams across three hospitals in Ireland and Germany. The research is framed within the RN4CAST project and develops a structured problem statement, aims, and impetus for the study. It also draws on the author’s academic and professional background in intensive care and anaesthetic nursing, using the collected stakeholder perspectives to evaluate whether educational preparation relates to improved care experiences.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages340

Reading Time14 h 17 min

AccessFree to download

Table of Contents

Self Declaration

Acknowledgements

List of Tables and Figures

Glossary of relevant German and Irish Institutions

List of Abbreviations and Acronyms

Abstract

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

1.2 The aims of nurse education

1.3 Problem statement

1.4 Impetus for the study

1.5 The RN4CAST project

1.6 Personal background

1.7 The overall aim of the study

1.8 Summary of chapters

CHAPTER 2: NURSE EDUCATION IN CONTEXT

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Educational preparation of nurses in Ireland

The role of nurse education in improving patient outcomes and patient satisfaction with nursing care: A multiple case study of nursing teams in three hospitals across Ireland and Germany. Daniela Lehwaldt MSc, PGDipCHSE, BNS (Hons.), Cert. Intensive Care & Anaesthetic Nursing, RGN, RNT, NFESC Student ID: 59113677 School of Nursing and Human Sciences DUBLIN CITY UNIVERSITY January 2016 Submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Supervisors: Professor Anne Matthews, Dublin City University Professor P. Anne Scott, Liverpool John Moores University Self Declaration I hereby certify that this material, which I now submit for assessment on the programme of study leading to the award of Doctor of Philosophy is entirely my own work, that I have exercised reasonable care to ensure that the work is original, and does not to the best of my knowledge breach any law of copyright, and has not been taken from the work of others save and to the extent that such work has been cited and acknowledged within the text of my work. Signed: (Candidate) ID No.: 59113677 Date: Acknowledgements The submission of this thesis marks an opportunity to thank several people, who have contributed in many ways and to whom I am sincerely grateful. Firstly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisors Professor Anne Matthews and Professor P. Anne Scott for their encouragement and professional guidance throughout my time of study. Supervision sessions were both fun and hard work. I thank you for your constant and constructive feedback on the many drafts relating to this study. Thank you also for your patience and understanding during times when other life demands made for untimely distractions. Secondly, I would like to say ‘Herzlichen Dank!’ [to Professor Dr. med. Reinhard Busse](to Professor Dr. med. Reinhard Busse), Ms. Britta Zander and Ms. Lydia Dobler for granting me access to the German RN4CAST data. Your assistance meant the world to me! Without access to the German data, my idea to conduct a multiple-case study would have been crushed. A special thanks to Britta for answering all my questions, for the friendship, and for responding tomy numerous emails. I would also like to express my gratitude to my colleagues in the School of Nursing and Human Sciences, who have supported and encouraged me. A special thanks to Sabina Stan for the endless cups of teas and chats. The encouragement that you offered helped me to believe that I could actually complete this journey. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all the staff, managers, nurses and patients who contributed to this study. This study would not have happened without your participation. The views that you provided, in regards to your work and care, challenged my conceptions and opened my mind. Thank you! I am especially grateful to my family and friends, who encouraged me and who were incredibly patient. Thank you for your unceasing support in person, on social media and on the phone. A special thanks to Tara and Mary for willingly taking on the task of proof reading. Most of all I want to thank my son George who, through his unconditional love, gave me inspiration and happiness. Thank you for all the little things that you have done to make this journey special! Lastly, I would like to thank everybody who supported me throughout the completion of this thesis. Daniela Lehwaldt Table of Contents Self Declaration .........................................................................................................................ii Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................. iii Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................iv List of Tables and Figures...........................................................................................

FAQs

What is the central focus of the thesis?

The thesis examines the role of nurse education in improving patient outcomes and patient satisfaction with nursing care.

How is the study designed and where does it take place?

It uses a multiple case study of nursing teams across three hospitals in Ireland and Germany.

What is the RN4CAST project’s relevance in the thesis?

The thesis includes an overview of the RN4CAST project and situates the research within that broader context.

Sep 4, 2026

Uploaded by William