Nurse manager risk information management for decision-making: a qualitative analysis

Background: Nurse managers enact changes to practice based on information collected from the local ward environment with the aid of electronic risk management and incident reporting systems. Despite being key users of electronic risk management and incident reporting systems, little knowledge exists on nurse managers' use and communication of information derived from these systems. Aim: This qualitative study aimed to explore nurse manager information requirements, risk management practices, and influences on decision-making when interacting with an electronic risk management and incident reporting system. Methods: Focus groups with eight nurse managers were conducted at a teaching hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Findings: Decision-making and information management approaches varied depending on whether the nurse manager investigated a single incident report or viewed summarised incident reports. Thematic and content analysis produced three themes: navigating the system, relying on data, and communication and feedback. Discussion: Nurse managers faced individual and organisational barriers preventing them from using the risk management and incident reporting system to its full potential. Conclusion: The findings from this study will assist nursing and health care administrators in identifying ineffective practice and meeting nurse manager information requirements.