Involving nurses in decisions: improving both nurse and patient outcomes

Area of Science:

• Nursing research
• Healthcare quality improvement
• Patient safety

Background:

• Nurse involvement in decision-making is linked to higher satisfaction.
• Limited evidence exists on the impact of nurse involvement on patient outcomes.
• Evidence on expected outcomes is crucial due to resource allocation in healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between nurse involvement in decision-making and patient outcomes.
• To assess how nurse participation influences patient satisfaction, nurse satisfaction, infection rates, and adverse events.
• To provide evidence supporting the value of nurse involvement in healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study was conducted across 9 hospitals in Colorado.
• Units were categorized into high and low levels of nurse involvement in decision-making.
• Key outcomes measured included patient satisfaction, nurse satisfaction, infection rates, and adverse events.

Main Results:

• Increased nurse involvement in decision-making was associated with improved patient outcomes.
• Units with high nurse involvement demonstrated significantly lower rates of infections.
• A reduction in pressure ulcers was observed in units with greater nurse participation.

Conclusions:

• Formal structures are not essential for involving nurses in decision-making.
• Nurse involvement in decisions positively impacts both nurse and patient satisfaction.
• Enhanced nurse involvement in decision-making correlates with a reduction in adverse events, improving overall patient care.