Assessing Undergraduate Student Nurses Perception of Quality Improvement

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to understand the perception of quality improvement (QI) among third semester undergraduate nursing students enrolled in a leadership course. While QI skills have grown among nurses, it is only practiced by a slim majority of professionals. This study will attempt to understand the gaps in QI comprehension among current nursing students to improve QI education. Methodology: A quantitative descriptive correlation study was used to understand the perspective of nursing students. This study examined a subset of previously collected survey data from students enrolled in the course between fall 2019 and spring 2023 semesters. Preliminary Results: Pre-course surveys showed little perceived understanding of quality improvement principles by undergraduate students. 5.6% of students surveyed indicated they were very or extremely knowledgeable about quality improvement. After the course content delivery, the survey was repeated. Understanding of quality improvement principles increased to 89.9% (Wilcox Signed Rank Test, p<0.001). Discussion: Students reported increased understanding of quality improvement theory and practices upon completion of the leadership course. Results suggest methods employed during the course are effective for educating undergraduate nursing students on the principles of QI. Nursing programs can use data from this study to guide the implementation of quality improvement education into curriculum.