Patient outcomes in the field of nursing: A concept analysis

PurposeThis paper reports an analysis of the concept of patient outcomes.MethodsThe Walker and Avant concept analysis approach was applied.ResultsThe attributes of patient outcomes include (1) patient functional status (maintained or improved), (2) patient safety (protected or unharmed), and (3) patient satisfaction (patient reporting of comfort and contentment). These attributes are influenced by the antecedents of individual patient characteristics and health problems, the structure of healthcare organizations and received health interventions. Additionally, patient outcomes do significantly impact the quality of nursing care, the cost of effective care and healthcare policy making formulation.ConclusionProviding good nursing care to all patients is a central goal of nursing. Patient outcomes in nursing are primarily about the results for the patient receiving nursing care. This analysis provides nurses with a new perspective by helping them to understand all the components within the concept of patient outcomes.