Date of Conferral
2018
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Janice Long
Abstract
Health care providers gather and track quality patient indicator scores to monitor patients' safety and outcomes and decrease the number of adverse events. Nursing leaders implemented a Quality Workbook Committee (QWC) within a hospital setting to improve patient outcomes and the facility's reported scores for nurse-sensitive patient indicators. The practice-focused question for this quality improvement evaluation project examined whether the implementation of the QWC improved nurse-sensitive patient indicator scores. Watson's theory of human caring was used to evaluate the gap in practice, and Rosswurm and Larabee's model for evidence-based practice change provided guidance for planning the project. Sources of evidence were 2017 end-of-year organization report cards. The 4 specific areas chosen for evaluation were: patient falls, hospital-acquired pressure ulcers, pain reassessment scores, and medication scanning rates. Results from an analysis of variance showed improvements in 3 of the 4-nurse-sensitive patient indicator scores. Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers decreased by 13 pressure ulcers, pain reassessment rates increased by 18.42%, and medication scanning scores increased by 4.03%. However, patient falls increased by 15, suggesting the need for further evaluation measures. Project findings may help nursing leaders to improve nurse-sensitive patient indicator scores and promote social change by reducing hospital adverse events, length of hospitalization stays, and wasted healthcare resources.
Recommended Citation
Robinson, Nicole, "Using a Quality Workbook Committee to Improve Nurse-Sensitive Patient Indicator Scores" (2018). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 6100.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/6100
