Identification and measurement of nurse sensitive outcomes in pediatric nephrology nursing.

Patient outcomes are increasingly the focus of research and are seen as primary indicators of nursing care quality. The identification and measurement of nurse-sensitive outcomes that actually reflect nursing care are more difficult than it seems. Many of the outcomes currently in use for nephrology patients are global in scope and influenced by many health professionals as well as patients and families. Further, outcomes appropriate for adult nephrology patients may need modification for pediatric patients or may not work at all. This article explores issues related to identifying outcomes related to the nursing care of pediatric nephrology patients, reviews selected outcomes, and describes measurement strategies.