What is the best indicator that a quality improvement initiative for incentive spirometer use has been successful?

The best indicator that a quality improvement initiative for incentive spirometer (IS) use has been successful is the evidence of a decrease in nosocomial pneumonia as demonstrated through chart audits. This decrease directly links to the effectiveness of the initiative, as the primary objective of promoting incentive spirometer use is to improve patient outcomes by preventing lung complications such as pneumonia, especially in postoperative patients or those with limited mobility.

The reduction in nosocomial pneumonia rates serves as a concrete, measurable outcome demonstrating that the implementation of the quality improvement initiative had a positive effect on patient care. This outcome reflects not only the increases in adherence to using the incentive spirometer but also the overall improvement in respiratory health among patients.

While the other options may indicate various aspects of compliance or satisfaction, they do not directly measure the impact of the quality improvement initiative on patient outcomes. For instance, the attendance at inservice seminars might suggest nurse education and awareness but doesn't guarantee that patients are effectively using the spirometers or that their health outcomes have improved. Similarly, merely increasing the number of reminders given to clients does not assure that compliance with spirometer use actually translates to better health outcomes. Feedback from surgeons regarding satisfaction may indicate that the process is seen positively from a professional standpoint, but it does