Correlating Practice Setting with Outcomes

There is a direct correlation between the quality of nurses' work environments and job satisfaction, productivity, recruitment, retention and, most importantly, the quality of patient care and outcomes. Research shows that positive practice environments and sufficient registered nurse staffing are important predictors of quality client outcomes in healthcare organizations. The delivery of high quality health services depends on the competence of health workers and a work environment that supports performance excellence. By under-investing in the health sector we under-value our staff, resulting in a serious negative impact on the recruitment and retention of health personnel, the productivity and performance of health facilities, and ultimately on patient outcomes. If we are to meet global goals for health care, we must establish and foster positive practice environments. Positive Practice Environments for Health Care: Quality Workplaces for Quality Care, is spearheaded by the health professions (International Council of Nurses, International Pharmaceutical Federation, World Confederation for Physical Therapy, World Dental Federation and World Medical Association), together with the International Hospital Federation. This multiyear, multi-stakeholder campaign promotes safe, cost-effective and healthy workplaces, thereby strengthening health systems and improvingpatient safety. Healthcare organizations around the world have embraced the Magnet Recognition Program as their hallmark!  A newly stated vision addresses the importance of Magnet organizations in shaping future changes that are essential to the continued development of the nursing profession and to quality outcomes in patient care.  This vision addresses transformational leadership, structural empowerment, exemplary professional practice, new knowledge, innovation, and improvements, and empirical quality results. Employers ultimately control many elements of the work environment in which nurses practice. Embracing a philosophy based on positive practice environments is the first step in ensuring quality outcomes for patients in all clinical settings.