Article explores how nursing affects patient experience scores

Improving the nursing work environment, staffing and nurse education can raise the patient experience scores used to determine reimbursements to hospitals, a study found. Published in the May issue of Medical Care, the researchers analyzed the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems scores for 540 hospitals in California, Florida, New Jersey and Pennsylvania in 2016. The study looked at the relationships between HCAHPS ratings and four categories of hospital nursing resources: education, skill mix, staffing and work environment. More favorable staffing, higher levels of nurses with baccalaureate degrees and better work environments were associated with higher HCAHPS ratings. The authors conclude hospitals should invest in nursing resources to improve patient experience scores. (Newswise news release, 4/10/24)