title: Involving nurses in decisions: improving both nurse and patient outcomes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between nurse involvement in decisions and nurse-patient outcomes.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Evidence demonstrates that nurse involvement is associated with satisfaction, but little evidence exists about patient effects. Because of significant resource expenditure, evidence about expected outcomes is needed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Outcomes classified as patient satisfaction, nurse satisfaction, infections, and adverse events were compared between units with high and low levels of involvement from 9 hospitals in Colorado.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Involving nurses in outcomes evaluation was associated with better patient outcomes. High involvement units had fewer infections and pressure ulcers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A formal structure was not required to involve nurses in decisions and is related to nurse and patient satisfaction demonstrating a reduction in adverse events.
authors: Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions, Regis University, Denver, Colorado 80221, USA. jhouser@regis.edu
authors: Janet
authors: J
authors: Houser
authors: Lysa
authors: L
authors: ErkenBrack
authors: Lydia
authors: L
authors: Handberry
authors: Fran
authors: F
authors: Ricker
authors: Linda
authors: L
authors: Stroup
mesh_terms: D003120:Colorado; D003657:Decision Making; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care