Impacts of Nurse Engagement and Inclusion on Patient Outcomes

Impacts of Nurse Engagement and Inclusion on Patient Outcomes

Nurse engagement and inclusion are two important factors that can influence the quality and safety of patient care. Nurse engagement refers to the degree of commitment, involvement, and satisfaction that nurses have with their work, their organization, and their profession (Dempsey & Reilly, 2016). Inclusion refers to the extent to which nurses feel valued, respected, and supported by their colleagues, managers, and leaders, regardless of their background, identity, or perspective (EMU Online, 2019). Both nurse engagement and inclusion can have positive impacts on patient outcomes, such as patient satisfaction, clinical quality indicators, and reduced adverse events.

According to Dempsey and Reilly (2016), nurse engagement correlates directly with critical safety, quality, and patient experience outcomes. They cite several studies that show that engaged nurses are more likely to provide safe, high-quality care, prevent infections and falls, reduce mortality rates, and improve patient satisfaction scores. Engaged nurses are also more likely to stay in their jobs, reducing turnover costs and enhancing continuity of care. Moreover, engaged nurses are more likely to advocate for their patients and their profession, as demonstrated by the viral response of nurses to the Miss America pageant monologue by Miss Colorado, Kelley Johnson, RN (Dempsey & Reilly, 2016).

Inclusion is also essential for improving patient outcomes, as it fosters a culture of diversity, equity, and respect in the healthcare setting. When healthcare employers make inclusion and equality a priority, it can boost employee engagement, aid in nurse retention, increase patient satisfaction and improve outcomes (EMU Online, 2019). Providing an inclusive environment for nurses helps them extend the same courtesy to their patients, who may come from different backgrounds, cultures, or beliefs. Inclusive nurses are more likely to deliver culturally competent care, respect patient preferences and values, and address health disparities and social determinants of health (EMU Online, 2019).

Oneview Healthcare (2022) reports that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives can lead to better patient outcomes by enhancing nurse engagement and satisfaction. The article cites a study by McKinsey & Company that shows that when an organization has a dedicated DEI leader or group, the employees feel more strongly that the steps taken are effective and impactful. Specifically, higher levels of nurse engagement lead to better patient outcomes (Oneview Healthcare, 2022). The article also suggests some strategies for implementing DEI initiatives in healthcare organizations, such as conducting surveys and focus groups, providing training and education, creating mentorship programs, and celebrating diversity.

In conclusion, nurse engagement and inclusion are vital for achieving positive patient outcomes. Engaged and inclusive nurses are more likely to provide safe, high-quality care that meets the needs and expectations of their patients. Healthcare organizations should invest in strategies that promote nurse engagement and inclusion, such as shared governance models (Wendt et al., 2021), compassionate connected care (Dempsey & Reilly), DEI initiatives (Oneview Healthcare), and inclusive leadership practices (EMU Online).

References

Dempsey C., & Reilly B.A. (2016). Nurse Engagement: What are the Contributing Factors for Success? OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing 21(1). https://doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol21No01Man02

EMU Online. (2019). Including Inclusivity and Equality in Nursing Workplace. https://online.emich.edu/degrees/healthcare/rn-to-bsn/nurses-workplace-inclusive-equitable/

Oneview Healthcare. (2022). How Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives can lead to better patient outcomes. https://www.oneviewhealthcare.com/blog/how-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-initiatives-can-lead-to-better-patient-outcomes/

Wendt L., et al. (2021). Increasing Quality and Patient Outcomes with Staff Engagement and Shared Governance. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing 26(2). https://doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol26No02PPT23