Towards evidence-based management: creating an informative database of nursing-sensitive indicators

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe the creation, evolution, and implementation of a database of nursing-sensitive and potentially nursing-sensitive indicators, the Military Nursing Outcomes Database (MilNOD). It discusses data quality, utility, and lessons learned.

Design/methods: Prospective data collected each shift include direct staff hours by levels (i.e., registered nurse, other licensed and unlicensed providers), staff categories (i.e., military, civilian, contract, and reservist), patient census, acuity, and admissions, discharges, and transfers. Retrospective adverse event data (falls, medication errors, and needle-stick injuries) were collected from existing records. Annual patient satisfaction, nurse work environment, and pressure ulcer and restraint prevalence surveys were conducted.

Findings and conclusions: The MilNOD contains shift level data from 56 units in 13 military hospitals and is used to target areas for managerial and clinical performance improvement. This methodology can be modified for use in other healthcare systems.

Clinical relevance: As standard tools for evidence-based management, databases such as MilNOD allow nurse leaders to track the status of nursing and adverse events in their facilities.