Nursing accreditation system and patient safety

Abstract

Aims: This study investigated whether nursing accreditation level affects patient safety.

Background: The nursing accreditation system evaluates the capabilities of nursing professionals in Taiwan. While this system has been in place for years, few studies have investigated whether nursing accreditation level is associated with patient safety indicators. This study can help in understanding how nursing capabilities affect patient safety and can subsequently contribute to improvements in patient safety.

Methods: This study adopted a cross-sectional research design using questionnaires to collect responses from nurses working in two major medical centres in northern Taiwan. Regression analyses were conducted to test the study hypothesis.

Results: The analytical results show that nursing accreditation level is positively related to patient safety indicators.

Conclusion: Health services managers should encourage nurses to advance their knowledge, skills, and professional capabilities because these may be positively related to patient safety.

Implications for nursing management: Nursing managers who seek to improve patient safety should consider encouraging nurses to advance their accreditation level.