Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine whether end-of-life care quality is superior in Magnet(R) hospitals, a recognition designating nursing excellence.
BACKGROUND: Considerable research shows better patient outcomes in hospitals with excellent nurse work environments, but end-of-life care quality has not been studied in Magnet hospitals.
METHODS: An analysis of cross-sectional data was completed using surveys of nurses and hospitals. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the association between Magnet hospitals and measures of end-of-life care quality.
RESULTS: Overall, nurses report poor quality of end-of-life care in US hospitals. In Magnet hospitals, nurses were significantly less likely to give their hospital an unfavorable rating on end-of-life care.
CONCLUSIONS: Hospital Magnet status may signal better quality in end-of-life care. Administrators looking to improve the quality of end-of-life care may consider improving aspects of nursing that distinguish Magnet hospitals.