An Overview of the National Quality Strategy: Where Do Nurses Fit?

The definition of quality healthcare, its accurate measurement, and its effective management is nebulous and constantly evolving. Even the most respected and knowledgeable experts cannot come to consensus on exactly what quality means. Levels of measurement, as well as questions of whom, how, and when to measure are topics of continual deliberation. These discussions occur at multiple levels through councils, committees, workgroups, task forces, and expert panels. Many policy-related decisions these groups make affect nurses and nursing care. All of them affect how patients receive or engage in healthcare. This article discusses the National Quality Strategy by offering a description and history of the quality conversation, including federal advisory committees and quality measurement data standards. There are several gaps in the quality conversation to which nurses could contribute valuable insights. The authors describe ways that nurses can engage in the national quality agenda. The article concludes with a call to action to encourage nurses to take a larger role in driving the National Quality Strategy.