Date of Award
2025
Degree Name
Healthcare Administration
College
College of Business
Type of Degree
M.S.
Document Type
Research Paper
First Advisor
Alberto Coustasse, Dr.PH. MD, MBA, MPH
Abstract
Introduction: In the competitive healthcare landscape, patient safety and quality care have remained critical priorities. The Magnet Recognition Program, awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), has recognized hospitals that have demonstrated excellence in nursing and improved patient outcomes. Built on five core pillars: transformational leadership, structural empowerment, exemplary practice, innovation, and quality results, this designation has supported professional development and collaborative care. Although only about 10% of U.S. hospitals have been Magnet-designated, they have been linked to reduced hospital mortality, hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), and patient falls.
Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the impacts of Magnet designated hospitals and how they affect patient mortality, hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), and patient falls compared to non-Magnet designated hospitals.
Methodology: The methodology for this qualitative study involved a comprehensive literature review supplemented by a semi-structured interview with an emergency room nurse from a Magnet-designated hospital having been approved by an institutional review board. Research was conducted across five databases, initially identifying 40 sources. After applying inclusion criteria, 33 sources were deemed relevant, with 12 selected to support the findings presented in the results section.
Results:The literature review revealed that Magnet hospitals demonstrated significantly lower patient mortality rates, reduced hospital-acquired infections, and decreased patient falls compared to non-Magnet hospitals. The semi-structured interview with an emergency room (ER) nurse at a Magnet-designated hospital corroborated these findings, highlighting specific measures such as two-person procedural protocols and enhanced fall risk screening that contributed to improved outcomes. Quantitative studies further supported the idea that Magnet hospitals exhibited better infection control and safer patient environments.
Discussion/Conclusion: This study confirmed that Magnet designation contributed to superior patient safety outcomes, driven by improved nursing education, leadership, and shared governance. The integration of structured protocols and continuous professional development appeared instrumental in reducing adverse events such as infections and falls. Although limited by the scope and sample size, the findings reinforce the value of Magnet status in promoting higher standards of care and suggest that healthcare organizations should prioritize achieving and maintaining this designation to enhance patient outcomes.
Subject(s)
Health services administration.
Health facilities -- Business management.
Nursing.
Hospitals -- Quality.
Hospital patients -- Mortality.
Hospital patients -- Infections.
Hospital patients -- Care.
Nursing -- Training.
Recommended Citation
Cochran, Connie and Collins, Molly A., "Magnet hospitals and their impact on patient outcomes" (2025). Theses, Dissertations and Capstones. 1946.
https://mds.marshall.edu/etd/1946
Included in
Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons, Health and Medical Administration Commons, Nursing Commons
