The application of nursing-sensitive quality indicators in evaluating nursing efficacy.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the application of nursing-sensitive quality indicators in evaluating nursing efficacy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study involved the 97 nursing units of four general hospitals, where quality-improvement projects were implemented. The efficacy of the projects was measured through the use of nursing-sensitive quality indicators followed by a Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle. Nursing efficacy was observed before and after the implementation.

RESULTS

Indicators revealed that patient satisfaction with basic nursing care, professional skills, and service attitude increased significantly after implementation of the quality-improvement projects (p<0.05). The incidence of nursing adverse events, including deficient care and accidents, also decreased significantly (p<0.01). However, patient satisfaction with the medical environment did not increase.

CONCLUSIONS

Nursing-sensitive quality indicators are a valid and reliable way to determine if nursing quality-improvement projects are efficacious. They also promote continual improvement in nursing quality and provide a scientific evidence for setting implementation plan and detecting the implementation efficacy in nursing care, and possess certain promoting effects on the continual improvement of nursing quality.