Examining QI Knowledge Among Frontline Nurses and Nurse Leaders

Abstract

Background: Frontline nurses deliver direct patient care and by participating in quality improvement (QI) can have an impact on health care quality and safety. Unfortunately, nurses are not participating in QI, which may be due to a lack of QI knowledge. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate nurses QI knowledge utilizing the revised Quality Improvement Knowledge Application Tool (QIKAT-R), with newly created nursing scenarios, among frontline nurses and nurse leaders. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, this study evaluated nurses QI knowledge utilizing the QIKAT-R. Results: Overall, QI knowledge among nurses was low. The frontline nurses (n = 44) scored higher than nurse leaders (n = 11) on overall QI knowledge scores, although not significant. Frontline nurses scored higher in QI knowledge related to aim and measure, whereas nurse leaders scored higher in change. Conclusions: Understanding frontline nurses QI knowledge, such as with the QIKAT-R with newly created nursing scenarios, can assist with creating targeted strategies for improving overall engagement in QI.

Self-efficacy in Quality Improvement Competency of Frontline Acute Care Registered Nurses

“…20,21 Researchers find that RNs experience barriers and limited participation in QI, 22 as well as QI-related competency gaps, 23,24 with varying results in the significance of educational attainment and years of RN experience. [23][24][25][26][27] Embracing Bandura's Self-efficacy theory, whereby self-efficacy reflects perceived capacity and skills to achieve a desired goal 28 and may predict performance, 29 RNs with greater experience, encouragement, and exposure to QI may have greater QI self-efficacy. Insufficient study about RNs' self-efficacy in QI, combined with new QI-related competency statements in the 2021 AACN Essentials, 12 provides the opportunity to evaluate self-efficacy in entry-level QI competency in frontline acute care RNs.…”

“…19 The recent pandemic exemplifies nurses' involvement in QI initiatives to protect themselves and the public, to advocate for care delivery changes, and to inform health policy, training, and education. 20,21 Researchers find that RNs experience barriers and limited participation in QI, 22 as well as QI-related competency gaps, 23,24 with varying results in the significance of educational attainment and years of RN experience. [23][24][25][26][27] Embracing Bandura's Self-efficacy theory, whereby self-efficacy reflects perceived capacity and skills to achieve a desired goal 28 and may predict performance, 29 RNs with greater experience, encouragement, and exposure to QI may have greater QI self-efficacy.…”