What is the primary purpose of the quality improvement process in nursing?

The primary purpose of the quality improvement process in nursing is to enhance patient outcomes through systematic evaluation and enhancement of care delivery. An integral part of this process is securing resources and support from leadership. When leadership is engaged and supportive, it enables the implementation of the necessary changes that lead to better practices, training, and resource allocation, which ultimately improve patient care.

Quality improvement requires collaboration and a shared vision between nursing staff and leadership. Gaining support typically involves presenting data and evidence that demonstrates the need for improvements and the potential benefits, leading to investments in quality initiatives.

While other aspects like establishing guidelines or mandating actions may have roles in quality improvement, these are typically not the primary focus. The rigid application of guidelines can inhibit flexibility and adaptation to specific patient needs, and without changes, there will be no improvement in outcomes. Thus, the focus is on engaging and mobilizing support for the necessary changes that drive quality enhancements.