Examining QI Knowledge Among Frontline Nurses and Nurse Leaders

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Frontline nurses are crucial for patient care and healthcare quality.
• Nurses' engagement in quality improvement (QI) initiatives is limited.
• A lack of QI knowledge may hinder nurses' participation in QI activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the quality improvement (QI) knowledge of frontline nurses and nurse leaders.
• Utilized the revised Quality Improvement Knowledge Application Tool (QIKAT-R) with new nursing scenarios.
• Assessed QI knowledge in both direct care providers and leadership roles.

Main Methods:

• Employed a cross-sectional study design.
• Administered the revised Quality Improvement Knowledge Application Tool (QIKAT-R) to assess QI knowledge.
• Included both frontline nurses and nurse leaders in the evaluation.

Main Results:

• Overall QI knowledge among nurses was found to be low.
• Frontline nurses scored higher than nurse leaders in overall QI knowledge, though not statistically significant.
• Frontline nurses demonstrated stronger knowledge in 'aim' and 'measure' aspects of QI, while nurse leaders excelled in 'change' concepts.

Conclusions:

• Assessing frontline nurses' QI knowledge is vital for developing targeted strategies.
• The QIKAT-R, with tailored nursing scenarios, can effectively gauge QI knowledge.
• Improving nurses' understanding of QI principles can enhance their engagement and impact on healthcare quality and safety.