Study urges incorporation of nurses in innovation teams

A study released by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and The BDO Center for Healthcare Excellence & Innovation concludes health care organizations need to elevate more nurses to leadership levels where they can fully contribute to the transformation of care. Based on survey data, Unleashing Nurse-Led Innovation found that less than a third of clinical leaders have a nurse responsible for innovation and less than half of business leaders have a nurse in their C-suites. “Health stakeholders’ ability to thrive amid the new consumer-driven health system depends on nurses claiming a seat at the table at the leadership level,” said Antonia M. Villarruel, PhD, RN, Margaret Bond Simon Dean of Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania. “If true care transformation is to take shape to improve patient outcomes at lower costs, health systems and businesses must recognize that nursing can and must extend well beyond the bedside and community—and into the boardroom.” (Business Wire news release, 5/6/19)