Exploring the professional nurse advocate role in quality improvement: a qualitative study

Liz Lees-Deutsch; Laura Wilde; Rosie Kneafsey

doi:10.12968/bjon.2025.0408

Exploring the professional nurse advocate role in quality improvement: a qualitative study

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
Coventry University

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Abstract

Background: the professional nurse advocate (PNA) programme was introduced in 2021 to support nurse wellbeing and resilience after the pandemic through the Advocating for Education Quality Improvement (A-EQUIP) model. However, the impact of PNAs' quality improvement (QI) work remains underexplored. Aims: This study aimed to explore the PNA leadership role in QI work and how these nurses develop QI initiatives. Methods: A qualitative research design involved semi-structured interviews with eight PNAs. Themes were identified using thematic analysis. Findings: The four themes related to: PNA preparedness for QI work and identifying projects; implementing projects and collaboration; monitoring and reporting on QI projects; and impact on patient outcomes, the reach of projects and sustainability. PNAs reported improvements in patient care and experience but challenges in preparedness and support were noted. Conclusion: This study emphasises the importance of organisational support, collaboration, time and ongoing transitional training if PNAs are to lead QI projects effectively.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	826-831
Number of pages	6
Journal	British Journal of Nursing
Volume	35
Issue number	16
Early online date	3 Sept 2026
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2025.0408
Publication status	E-pub ahead of print - 3 Sept 2026

Bibliographical note

© 2026 MA Healthcare Ltd
This work is made available under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) licence. It may be shared and adapted for any purpose, including commercial use, provided appropriate attribution is given to the creator

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 4 Quality Education

Keywords

A-EQUIP model
Nursing leadership
Patient outcome
Professional nurse advocates
Quality improvement in nursing
Restorative clinical supervision for nurses

ASJC Scopus subject areas

General Nursing

Access to Document

10.12968/bjon.2025.0408Licence: CC BY-NC

Lees-Deutsch2026VoRFinal published version, 660 KBLicence: CC BY-NC

Cite this

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abstract = "Background: the professional nurse advocate (PNA) programme was introduced in 2021 to support nurse wellbeing and resilience after the pandemic through the Advocating for Education Quality Improvement (A-EQUIP) model. However, the impact of PNAs' quality improvement (QI) work remains underexplored. Aims: This study aimed to explore the PNA leadership role in QI work and how these nurses develop QI initiatives. Methods: A qualitative research design involved semi-structured interviews with eight PNAs. Themes were identified using thematic analysis. Findings: The four themes related to: PNA preparedness for QI work and identifying projects; implementing projects and collaboration; monitoring and reporting on QI projects; and impact on patient outcomes, the reach of projects and sustainability. PNAs reported improvements in patient care and experience but challenges in preparedness and support were noted. Conclusion: This study emphasises the importance of organisational support, collaboration, time and ongoing transitional training if PNAs are to lead QI projects effectively.",

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AU - Wilde, Laura

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AB - Background: the professional nurse advocate (PNA) programme was introduced in 2021 to support nurse wellbeing and resilience after the pandemic through the Advocating for Education Quality Improvement (A-EQUIP) model. However, the impact of PNAs' quality improvement (QI) work remains underexplored. Aims: This study aimed to explore the PNA leadership role in QI work and how these nurses develop QI initiatives. Methods: A qualitative research design involved semi-structured interviews with eight PNAs. Themes were identified using thematic analysis. Findings: The four themes related to: PNA preparedness for QI work and identifying projects; implementing projects and collaboration; monitoring and reporting on QI projects; and impact on patient outcomes, the reach of projects and sustainability. PNAs reported improvements in patient care and experience but challenges in preparedness and support were noted. Conclusion: This study emphasises the importance of organisational support, collaboration, time and ongoing transitional training if PNAs are to lead QI projects effectively.

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KW - Quality improvement in nursing

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Exploring the professional nurse advocate role in quality improvement: a qualitative study

Abstract

Bibliographical note

UN SDGs

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Access to Document

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