DATA TO PRACTICE JOURNEY: A SAUDI ARABIAN HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE

Purpose:
Nurses at the bedside can change practice if they have user friendly structure, process and outcome data available to react upon. In 2007, although quality data was available, this data was not reaching bedside nurses.Multi-level strategies were used to transform the data-management strategies

Significance:
When nurses are empowered and own there data, they can identify issues, trends and generate innovative implementation strategies to improve practice. By becoming more than data-collectors they feel accountable and responsible for the quality of care rendered.

Strategy and Implementation:
There are no local or national benchmark databases available in the Middle East . Joining NDNQI end of 2007 addressed this concern as it is essential to be able to compare results with a credible database. A nursing data specialist was assigned to provide user friendly data in a visual attractive format within a broader nursing data management strategy. A training and educational program was implemented throughout the hospital at all levels of nursing. Bedside nurses were given the accountability to study their data in collaboration with the Unit Council, identify trends and focus performance improvement project on significant problems while integrating best practice information in all policies, practices and procedures. Dissemination of data was formalized in terms of communicating results in a standardized format monthly, quarterly and annually.

Evaluation:
A questionnaire was designed to evaluate nurses understanding around data-management indicating a positive feeling of being more knowledgeable; there was a sustainable improvement in most of our quality indicators. During a magnet accreditation visit, nurses' data-management skills were highlighted

Implications for Practice:
A multi-prong strategy aimed at joining an international or national databases, combined with investment in training in data-management empower bedside nurses who will empower nurses to identify opportunities to improve and provide safe, quality care