Identification of Potential Barriers to Nurse-Sensitive Outcome Demonstration

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine differences in chief nursing officer, Magnet(®) program director, nurse leader, and direct care RN perspectives of potential barriers to demonstration of nurse-sensitive outcomes. BACKGROUND: The Magnet Recognition Program(®) and other designations are focusing on patient outcomes. No evidence is available addressing barriers to demonstration of nursing outcomes at multiple levels of practice. METHODS: A Likert scale tool was developed and administered to 526 attendees at the 2012 national Magnet conference. Questions related to available resources, benchmarks, outcome demonstration process understanding, perception of value, and competing priorities. RESULTS: Significant perception differences by role were demonstrated related to available resources, competing priorities, and process understanding supporting demonstration of nurse-sensitive outcomes. No significant differences were identified related to benchmarks or perception of process value to the organization. CONCLUSION: This study provides new information demonstrating potential barriers to demonstration of nurse-sensitive outcomes differing by role. Opportunity exists to develop systems and processes to reduce perceived barriers among the nursing workforce