Upon completion of this course it is expected that students will demonstrate:
1. Knowledge of how outcome research can be used to improve the quality of health care. 2. Knowledge of which outcomes are sensitive to nursing care. 3. An understanding of different approaches to outcomes measurement. 4. An understanding of how to enhance the quality of outcomes measurement. 5. An understanding of the relationship between quality work environments, nurse staffing, and patient outcomes.
Contents
For nurses and many other health professionals, objective performance data on past practice behaviours and outcomes are often not readily available. This can lead to the assumption that performance is adequate and there is no need for improvement. It is essential that we link the conduct and focus of outcomes research with opportunities for improvement in care. Feedback about the outcomes or results of care enables healthcare professionals to evaluate their practice and make changes to improve the quality of health care.
In this course students will examine the role of outcomes research for improving the quality of nursing care. They will develop an understanding of how to identify outcomes for nursing, learn about different approaches to measurement, and examine contemporary issues in outcomes assessment.