Data distribution and analysis: a step to improving nursing quality.

Abstract

Measurement is a cornerstone for improvement activities, and although the MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, OH, gathered a significant amount of improvement data, it did not have a consistent mechanism for sharing the data with the nursing unit and the frontline nursing staff. A process was implemented to improve data distribution, thus making the data more accessible. Following the implementation of this process, the frontline nurses were more engaged in improvement activities, and significant improvement was noted on several measures. The findings suggest that consistent and meaningful data distribution is an important component in improving the quality of care.