The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on patient safety indicators in U.S. hospitals, as revealed by a recently published study in Nursing Research. The study, conducted by Penn Nursing’s Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research (CHOPR), analyzed data from the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators to evaluate trends in nursing-sensitive quality indicators from 2019 to 2022. It was found that rates of falls, bloodstream infections from central line catheters, urinary tract infections from urinary catheters, pressure injuries from devices or immobility, and pneumonia associated with ventilator use all increased during the pandemic. Although these rates have started to decrease, they have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. These adverse events not only delay a patient’s recovery but also impact their comfort and ability to go home.
Eileen T. Lake, PhD, RN, FAAN, Edith Clemmer Steinbright Professor in Gerontology, emphasized that the pandemic imposed a significant strain on healthcare systems and frontline workers, leading to a noticeable impact on patient safety. Lake stressed the importance of addressing the ongoing challenges faced by nurses and investing in this professional workforce to ensure that they have the necessary resources and support to deliver high-quality care. The study underscores the need for continuing efforts to improve patient safety indicators, even as the pandemic wanes.
The research highlights the critical role of supporting nurses and ensuring they receive the necessary resources and support to provide optimal care to patients. The study’s co-authors include Angela Pascale, PhD, Research Analyst, and Nora E. Warshawsky, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, Nurse Scientist, both from Press Ganey Associates LLC; Jessica G. Smith, PhD, RN, from the College of Nursing and Health Innovation at The University of Texas at Arlington; Douglas Staiger, PhD, from the Department of Economics at Dartmouth College; and Jeannette A. Rogowski, PhD, from Health Policy and Administration at The Pennsylvania State University. By collaborating and sharing insights, these experts aim to advocate for better support for nurses and continued efforts to enhance patient safety even beyond the pandemic era.
The study’s findings shed light on the enduring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patient safety indicators in U.S. hospitals, particularly regarding nursing-sensitive quality indicators. The increase in rates of falls, infections, pressure injuries, and pneumonia associated with ventilator use during the pandemic underscores the challenges faced by healthcare systems and frontline workers. While some indicators have started to decline, they have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, emphasizing the ongoing impact of the pandemic on patient safety.
The research underscores the need for sustained efforts to address the challenges faced by nurses and the healthcare system in maintaining patient safety. By investing in the professional workforce, providing support and resources to nurses, and continuing efforts to improve patient safety indicators, healthcare systems can better prepare for future challenges and ensure better outcomes for patients. The study serves as a call to action to prioritize patient safety, support healthcare workers, and invest in initiatives that enhance the quality of care provided to patients in U.S. hospitals. By learning from the experiences of the pandemic, healthcare systems can build resilience and improve patient safety outcomes in the long term.
