Effects of an Institute for Healthcare Improvement Course on Students’ Attitudes About Quality Improvement

Despite nurse faculty efforts to cultivate attitudes related to safety and quality, practicing nurses often do not report errors or risk, suggesting the competency is underdeveloped. During a longitudinal, prospective study of four baccalaureate cohorts, students completed the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Basic Certificate in Quality and Safety Course (BCQSC). BCQSC modules were embedded across the five-semester program. Quality improvement attitudes were measured using the Quality Improvement Nursing Attitude Survey in Semesters 1 and 5. A significant, positive relationship was observed between the BCQSC and student attitudes. The BCQSC fosters development of positive attitudes and student competency in quality and safety.