Adoption of National Quality Forum safe practices by magnet hospitals.
The Magnet Hospital Program recognizes hospitals with a track record of maintaining an excellent work environment for nurses. This study sought to examine whether this commitment translates into improved adoption of proven patient safety practices. By examining adoption of National Quality Forum (NQF) safe practices in a group of hospitals enrolled in the Leapfrog Group's safety initiative, the authors were able to analyze the relationship between magnet hospital designation and adoption of the NQF safe practices. Magnet hospitals appeared to be early adopters of the NQF practices, but over time, the gap between magnet hospitals and non-magnet hospitals declined. The authors speculate that magnet hospitals may have characteristics of their safety culture that allow for more rapid implementation of safety practices.