Wendy Silverstein examined the relationship between shared governance and patient outcomes including falls, pressure ulcers, and satisfaction at a New Jersey medical center.

Silverstein W. (2012). Shared Governance and its Relationship to Outcomes. Capstone Project. Rutgers University College of Nursing.

Abstract

This study compared the results of an 86-item questionnaire with patient outcomes such as patient falls, pressure ulcers, readmission rate and length of stay, and nurse and patient satisfaction to determine if a relationship existed. Shared governance is a structure and process that improves nurse empowerment, job autonomy, and accountability, all of which produce positive effects for nursing. This study took place at a 640-bed acute care medical center in northern New Jersey, and it included two medical-surgical areas.

The researchers used the Index of Professional Nursing Governance (IPNG), a valid and reliable tool, to measure staff perceptions of the level of governance on these units. In addition, they completed statistical correlations using the IPNG scores and specific patient and nurse satisfaction outcomes for both units. The analysis found no statistically significant difference in scores from 1991 compared to 2011, nor between both units. However, outcome data showed significant differences between the units in terms of length of stay, rates of 30-day readmission, and rate of falling, suggesting that other factors may contribute to these results.

Questions? Contact the author, Wendy Silverstein.