CNLs collect and analyze outcomes, conduct patient population risk assessments and have the authority to change care plans when necessary.
A newly funded study seeks to show the effectiveness the clinical nurse leader (CNL) model.
The study is also the first federally funded one that aims to demonstrate how to implement nursing knowledge and practice into safe, high-quality, evidence-based care.
“Organizing nursing to improve care quality and safety: A hybrid implementation-effectiveness study,” is headed by UCI Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing associate professor Dr. Miriam Bender, PhD.
Impact of inadequate care
Inappropriate or inadequate delivery of healthcare services is a common occurrence that results in significant patient morbidity and mortality.
Identifying evidence-based models of nursing care delivery is a patient safety strategy that can reduce the rates of adverse healthcare outcomes.
CNL model’s emergence
Associate Professor Dr. Miriam Bender is the study’s principal investigator.
Health systems across the country are increasingly implementing the CNL model.
The role emerged after the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and healthcare leaders sought effective ways to improve patient quality and prepare nurses for current and future healthcare.
As part of their role, CNLs collect and analyze patient outcomes, conduct patient population risk assessments and have the authority to change care plans when necessary.
CNLs also work across teams to plan and implement care, including with physicians, pharmacists, social workers and nurse practitioners.
Effectiveness of CNL model
The study will examine the effectiveness of the CNL model when it comes to improving the quality and safety of patient care. It will also identify characteristics of the model that most contribute to quality and safety outcomes.
Researchers will use interviews, surveys, pre-existing hospital quality and safety metrics and storytelling techniques to measure the model’s effectiveness.
Study co-investigators and supporters
The study is funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
The study’s co-investigators are:
- Marjory Williams, associate chief nurse, Research at the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System
- Maricela Cruz, assistant investigator at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute
- Claude Rubinson, associate professor at the University of Houston — Downtown
The study is also made possible through the following Health System Champions:
- Darla Banks-Garrett, Director of Medical-Surgical Services at Wise Health System, Decatur, TX
- Karen Mayer, Assistant Professor at Rush University Medical Center and Denise Wienand, Director of Clinical Nurse Leader Program, Care Transitions, and Nursing Education at Rush Oak Park Hospital in Oak Park, IL
- Elizabeth A Murphy, Chief Nurse Executive (retired) at Mercy Health Saint Mary’s member of Trinity Health in Grand Rapids, MI
- LeeAnna Spiva, System AVP Nursing Operations and Practice at Wellstar Health System in Marietta, GA
- Veronica Rankin, Director of Nursing at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC, and Tina Ralyea, Chief Nursing Officer at Prisma Health Baptist Hospital and Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge Hospital in Columbus, SC
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