Construction of nursing‐sensitive quality indicators for cardiac catheterisation: A Delphi study and an analytic hierarchy process

Abstract Background Nursing care can profoundly reduce the risk of emergencies related to cardiac catheterisation. Therefore, identifying nursing‐sensitive quality indicators (NSQIs) to evaluate nursing quality is critical for optimal cardiac catheterisation. However, studies on NSQIs for cardiac catheterisation are scarce. Objectives This study was conducted to develop a set of NSQIs for cardiac catheterisation. Methods Literature retrieval and expert group discussions were conducted to identify potential NSQIs and compile an inquiry questionnaire. Then, Delphi surveys were used to collect opinions from experts in the field of cardiac catheterisation. The consistency of the consultation results formed the basis on which we conducted the next rounds of consultation. Based on the importance given to each NSQI by the consulted experts in the previous round, we determined the weight coefficient of each indicator with the analytic hierarchy process. This study was performed according to the SRQR guidelines. Results We conducted two rounds of expert inquiry. The recovery rates of the first and second questionnaires were 100% and 66.67%, respectively. The average authoritative coefficients were 0.86 and 0.91. The Kendall W values ranged from 0.214~0.361 ( p < .001). Consensus was reached on 3 primary indicators, 8 secondary indicators and 20 tertiary indicators. Conclusions A set of NSQIs for cardiac catheterisation was developed. However, the effects of these NSQIs on the evaluation and continuous improvement of nursing quality in cardiac catheterisation need to be verified in clinical practice.