Creating an ideal context for a culture of continuous quality improvement in acute care: investing in a success story or waste of time. 01/11/2024 - 31/10/2025

Abstract

Healthcare organizations worldwide are under increasing pressure to deliver safe, high-quality care while navigating budgetary constraints, underscoring the imperative for quality enhancements. Nurses, as frontline providers, play a central role in improving care delivery and outcomes. However, the effectiveness of quality improvement initiatives (QI) remains highly variable, with contextual factors playing a crucial role. This research project aims to investigate the impact of contextual factors and competencies on the presence of a culture of continuous QI within nursing teams at the microsystem level in acute care settings. Drawing from existing literature and a qualitative study, a conceptual framework outlining contextual factors and competencies was developed. Subsequently, a measurement tool was constructed and validated to assess the QI culture within nursing teams. A multicentre cross-sectional study will be conducted in to investigate the presence of contextual factors and competencies within nursing teams and their impact on the efficacy of QI efforts and perceived quality of care. Findings from this study will inform the development of a toolkit in collaboration with subject matter experts, aimed at fostering a culture of continuous QI within nursing teams. The research outcomes have the potential to advance scientific understanding and guide healthcare organizations in cultivating a QI culture, ultimately enhancing the quality and safety of care delivery.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project