Needs of nurse educators & clinical nurses regarding quality assurance education

A study was done to determine the needs and educational interest regarding quality assurance of nurses practicing in both academic and clinical settings in Western New York. A written survey questionnaire was developed and distributed to a convenience sample. Responses were received from 98 nurse educators (47% of those contacted) and from 148 clinical area nurses (42% of those contacted). Concepts about quality assurance were itemized and respondents indicated their level of interest in obtaining further information to increase their QA competencies about each. The topics of interest to both groups were similar and included standards of care, legal issues, documentation, techniques for implementation of QA in clinical practice, and measures of quality of care. Characteristics about a continuing education offering that would be desirable were specified.