Hospital-Based Nursing Research: Clinical and Economic Outcomes

Abstract

We surveyed 181 nursing research leaders from Magnet® hospitals, using mixed methods with the online Hospital-Based Nursing Research Clinical and Economic Outcomes survey, to describe the clinical and economic outcomes of nursing research conducted in hospital settings. We used descriptive statistics to analyze the quantitative findings and a qualitative descriptive approach to study the open-ended responses. Most respondents reported that findings from their hospital-based studies were implemented on their units (88.2%), improved health care processes (88.2%), and reduced hospital costs (79%). Over 50% reported positive impacts on core quality measures, including improving patient/family satisfaction (76.8%), nurse satisfaction (65%), length of stay (59.1%), and infection rates (56.5%). Four themes were identified: study evaluation, improvements in care delivery/clinical outcomes, economic impact, and intrinsic and extrinsic rewards. Much of the research reported by respondents focused on quality measures with findings that resulted in improved clinical and economic outcomes.