The experience of Catalonia measuring nurse-sensitive indicators: Trends study 2012-2018

To describe nursing-sensitive indicators measured in Catalonia.

In Catalonia, since 2012, under the umbrella of the Results Centre, outcomes of every health care setting have been published and made open to health care professionals and citizens.

Trends study of nursing-sensitive indicators was based on data collected systematically from each setting from 2012 to 2018. Percentages and rates were calculated for each of 14 indicators analysed from all primary care, hospitals and long-term care centres.

Percentage of population aged 60 years or older correctly vaccinated against flu has been decreasing, while percentage of population aged 14 years or under with correct vaccine status is high (over 91%) and has remained stable over time. Mortality in patients who have developed complications has increased, from 27.1% in 2012 to 34.0% in 2017. Most centres achieved functional improvements during the first 30 days of admission.

Among all indicators measured in primary care, hospital and long-term care, only 14 analysed are nursing-sensitive; no nursing-sensitive indicators regarding mental health are measured.

Research focused on development of nursing-sensitive indicators offers an opportunity to measure and benchmark nurses' quality of care and their contribution in achieving populations' health improvement and health care system sustainability.