Improving the safety and quality of nursing care through standardized operating procedures in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Aim We explored how selected ‘positive deviant’ healthcare facilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina approach the continuous development, adaptation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of nursing‐related standard operating procedures. Background Standardized nursing care is internationally recognized as a critical element of safe, high‐quality health care; yet very little research has examined one of its key instruments: nursing‐related standard operating procedures. Introduction Despite variability in Bosnia and Herzegovina's healthcare and nursing care quality, we assumed that some healthcare facilities would have developed effective strategies to elevate nursing quality and safety through the use of standard operating procedures. Methods Guided by the ‘positive deviance’ approach, we used a multiple‐case study design to examine a criterion sample of four facilities (two primary healthcare centres and two hospitals), collecting data via focus groups and individual interviews. Findings In each studied facility, certification/accreditation processes were crucial to the initiation of continuous development, adaptation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of nursing‐related SOP s. In one hospital and one primary healthcare centre, nurses working in advanced roles (i.e. quality coordinators) were responsible for developing and implementing nursing‐related standard operating procedures. Across the four studied institutions, we identified a consistent approach to standard operating procedures‐related processes. Conclusions The certification/accreditation process is enabling necessary changes in institutions’ organizational cultures, empowering nurses to take on advanced roles in improving the safety and quality of nursing care. Implications for nursing and health policy Standardizing nursing procedures is key to improve the safety and quality of nursing care. Nursing and Health Policy are needed in Bosnia and Herzegovina to establish a functioning institutional framework, including regulatory bodies, educational systems for developing nurses’ capacities or the inclusion of nursing‐related standard operating procedures in certification/accreditation standards.