The National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI)

The National Database of Nursing Quality IndicatorsTM (NDNQI®) is the only national nursing database that provides quarterly and annual reporting of structure, process, and outcome indicators to evaluate nursing care at the unit level. Linkages between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes have already been demonstrated through the use of this database. Currently over 1100 facilities in the United States contribute to this growing database which can now be used to show the economic implications of various levels of nurse staffing. The purpose of this article is to describe the work and accomplishments related to the NDNQI as researchers utilize its nursing-sensitive outcomes measures to demonstrate the value of nurses in promoting quality patient care. After reviewing the history of evaluating nursing care quality, this article will explain the purpose of the NDNQI and describe how the database has been operationalized. Accomplishments and future plans of the NDNQI will also be discussed.