Educational Objectives: Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to: 1) identify opportunities for using NDNQI data to support clinically and administratively focused performance improvement initiatives; and 2) describe the processes recommended for achieving best data-based outcomes.

Purpose: To describe the ways in which NDNQI data can inform and support performance improvement activities within nursing practice and administration.

Relevant/Current Knowledge: The session will highlight some of the debates in the literature concerning the use of evidence to drive clinical and administrative decision-making and showcase examples of clinically focused and administratively focused actions that demonstrate favorable impact from the use of benchmark (NDNQI) data.

Summary of Presentation: The presenters will review some of the recommendations and controversies concerning what constitutes legitimate evidence for clinical and administrative decision-making. They also will share examples of successful evidence-based performance improvement and organizational transformation processes that demonstrate the benefit of using multiple sources of evidence and how these actions can result in broader based outcomes, including the generation of research projects. The discussion will focus on setting high standards and creating the infrastructure required to support informed decision-making. Strategies for including staff nurses, mid-level managers, and others will be described. Presenters will compare and contrast some of the data reporting techniques used to disseminate information and how each of these can provide additional information to direct action.Implications for Practice: The content provided in this session has relevance to organizations seeking to create high performance settings where shared governance, the consistent use of evidence, and informed action achieve quality outcomes. The strategies discussed and implemented in one hospital are applicable to health care settings in general regardless of size, location or specialty focus.