The contribution of quality assurance to the achievement of quality nursing care.

This paper explores the concept of quality in relation to nursing care and the contribution of quality assurance to its achievement. A descriptive study involving the administration of a questionnaire to all registered nurses in the clinical area employed at Osborne Park Hospital, Perth, Western Australia was undertaken to examine these issues. Overall, respondents had a positive attitude towards quality and quality assurance, although the latter concept appeared to be better understood. Quality assurance was viewed as an effective activity for reviewing and changing nursing practice and for helping to achieve quality nursing care. However, the study also demonstrated a need for further education in skills associated with quality assurance activities. Several other barriers to participating in quality assurance and to delivering quality care were identified.