Processing NDNQI data for XML Submission

Purpose:
The purpose was to facilitate the processing of NDNQI data in a more simplistic and timely manner to avoid errors, decrease workload, and early display of results.

Significance:
The Access data base that was created to store and manage NDNQI data elements reduced the need for labor intensive data entry by nurses by facilitating data transfer rather than data entry. The management of the data in Access also allows for immediate display of results using simplistic graphs.

Strategy and Implementation:
We identified the nurse sensitive data elements required and their location within our system. Using the XML vaiidation criteria provided by NDNQI we formatted the data as required using Microsoft Excel/Access. If data were not available electronically we either created data entry screens using the validation rules or created scannable survey forms for data entry (skin and restraint survey data). All other data were imported into the Access Database. All staff who were involved in manual data entry were trained to use electronic data entry and abandon paper practices. The data within the Access Database was used by a programmer to develop the XML file for submission. Once completed, the XML file was sent and the data were analysed and graph results were immediately availabe to the staff in PDF files in the secure nursing intranet site.

Evaluation:
This large academic medical center has an average daily census of 700 and reports NDNQI data for more that 30 units. Manual data entry consumed enormous resources to first collect the data and then to manually enter it for submission. We have saved at least 200 hours of nursing time per quarter.

Implications for Practice:
Organizations need to pursue automating the processes for data collection and submission of Nurse Sensitive Indicators. Implications include reducing nurse workload for data entry and the availability of immediate results.