Quality Assurance Systems in Nursing. A turning point in the world of nursing homes

Abstract

Developing and trying to achieve a high quality in the service nursing personnel provide at nursing homes by means of implementing quality assurance systems is a topic of general interest nowadays. These systems have already proved to be effective in other fields. That is why the focus of this study is to analyse the most relevant effects due to the implementation of a quality assurance method based on standard UNE EN ISO 9001:2008 in the nursing service of four nursing homes. An analysis of more than 200 answers of a satisfaction survey about the nursing service at four nursing homes has been carried out. A study on the available bibliography about the results obtained after having implemented a quality assurance system in the nursing service at nursing homes has also been carried out. Very positive results can be appreciated in the daily nursing practice at nursing homes as a consequence of using a quality assurance system. Clinical practice has improved considerably as a consequence. The study shows quality assurance systems to be a useful tool at the service of nursing practice at nursing homes. Positive effects resulting from the implementation of such quality assurance systems are evident as it can be seen from satisfaction surveys and health indicators.