We reviewed the literature and learned for outcome measures
to be meaningful, the chosen outcomes must be specific
to the setting, clinical context, patient population, type
of intervention, relevant to patient experiences and consistent
with the expected effects of the intervention and
supported by evidence (Doran and Pringle, 2011). When we
considered our CTICU patient group, we identified safety
(infections), post-operative symptom control (pain, immobility
and constipation) and psychological well-being as
important outcomes.
Once we determined the patient outcomes we believed
were relevant to our setting and could be improved by using
established evidence, the CTICU leadership group called for
expressions of interest from our nurses to join the NSPO
working party. Our aim was to create outcome teams led
by experienced clinical nurses working collaboratively with
less experienced nurses. This approach would engage the
whole team in the project.