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Ask the expert: Benchmarking nurse-sensitive quality indicators

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, September 4, 2007

This week, a reader asks about the timeframe for benchmarking nurse-sensitive quality indicators. Read the response below from our advisor, Elise Gropper, PhD, APRN, CPHQ, CNAA, BC, president of Gropper & Associates, Inc., Coral Springs, FL.

Q: What is the timeframe for benchmarking nurse-sensitive quality indicators?

A: Organizations applying for ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® (MRP) designation are required to collect 12 or more unit-based nurse-sensitive quality indicators and benchmark them at a universal level (e.g., affiliation with a specialty organization, or at the system, regional, state, or national level). It is highly recommended that you start collecting and benchmarking nurse-sensitive quality indicators before you apply for designation and you are required to have collected data for one year by the time you submit your written documentation.

When collecting data, you should gauge how you compare to other organizations your size, examine the data closely, and create opportunities for improvement. When it comes time to organize your evidence for writing the documentation, you want to be able to show how your organization uses the benchmarking data to improve patient outcomes.

There are several national benchmarking databases you can use, such as the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the National Quality Forum.

Editor's note: Do you have a question for one of our advisors? If you'd like us to consider your query for publication, please send it to Cameran Erny using the subject line, MLW Q&A.

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