Evaluating Nursing and Midwifery Metrics: Providing Evidence to Support Change and Renewal in Healthcare Services in Ireland

Abstract

This study was commissioned by senior nursing and midwifery management to evaluate the impact of 'medication management metrics' (Medication Storage and Custody and Medication Administration) upon the delivery of nursing and midwifery care in the Health Service Executive (HSE) North West Area. The study employed a mixed-methodology using both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection and analysis. Methodological and source triangulation were incorporated to crosscheck and affirm the reliability and validity of the findings. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered across two time points from 3 locations (38 settings) across the HSE North West Area. The evaluation design incorporated three research strands. The first strand evaluated the performance of each ward/unit using standardized 'metrics' criteria'. The second strand evaluated the experiences of both patients and staff within the context of local implementation. Strand three examined the impact of the initiative upon the context within which care is delivered-the workplace setting. The study findings have important policy implications that should inform any future corporate approach towards system wide implementation of nursing and midwifery metrics. Outcomes from this should promote improvements in care delivery and enhanced corporate understanding of the central role of nurses and midwives in the delivery of safe, effective and person-centred care.