The role of theory in improving patient safety and quality health care

By examining selected research that investigates the relationship between nurse staffing and adverse events, we demonstrate the problems that result from the absence of a strong theory to guide this research. There is considerable work to be done in explicating the theory underlying empirical studies of the relationship between nurse staffing and outcomes. Key constructs must be placed within a theoretical context, proposed causal mechanisms underlying the empirical or hypothesized relationships must be identified, and critical mediating and moderating variables must be recognized.