Original Research: Exploring Frontline Nurses' Self-Perceived Levels of QI Engagement and QI Competence

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2023

Abstract

Background and purpose: Nurse engagement in quality improvement (QI) is critical in the delivery of safe high-quality care, yet few studies have evaluated frontline nurses in this area. The purpose of this study was to identify and compare levels of self-reported QI engagement and QI competence among frontline nurses and nurse leaders.

Methods: This study used a cross-sectional descriptive design. A convenience sample of frontline nurses (bedside RNs and advanced practice nurses) and nurse leaders from acute and ambulatory care sites completed the Nursing Quality Improvement in Practice (NQuIP) tool, which measures engagement and competence (knowledge, skills, and attitudes) in QI.

Results: Data from 6,351 surveys completed by frontline nurses and nurse leaders representing 66 sites nationwide were analyzed. Only 52.5% of all respondents reported participating in QI. Knowledge scores were relatively high, while skills scores-especially those related to using QI tools-were low. Overall attitudes toward QI were positive. Nurse leaders scored significantly higher in engagement and competence than the frontline nurses they supervise.

Conclusions: The study findings indicate that nurse engagement in QI is limited. Although nurses' knowledge levels appear to be high, their limited competency in QI-related skills may contribute to low QI engagement. Leaders must make efforts to increase nurse engagement in order to attain high-quality outcomes. Using the NQuIP tool will allow leaders to evaluate nurses' self-perceived QI competence and engagement, which will aid in identifying target areas and developing effective strategies for improvement.

DOI

10.1097/01.NAJ.0000947456.74501.f6

PMID

37498035

Publication

The American Journal of Nursing

Volume

123

Issue

8

Publisher

Wolters Kluwer

Pages

22-33

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