ArticleBMC nursing2026
A QR code-based intervention to improve nursing documentation quality: a quasi-experimental study.
Article in BMC nursing, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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3 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundHigh-quality nursing documentation is fundamental to patient safety. However, its quality often remains suboptimal in resource-limited settings relying on paper-based systems. Quick Response (QR) codes offer a promising low-cost strategy for providing just-in-time access to guidelines, yet no prior study has examined their effect on nursing documentation quality in such contexts. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a QR code-based intervention on the quality of nursing documentation.
methodsA cluster quasi-experimental study with a pre-test/post-test design was conducted. Two hospitals were randomly allocated (coin toss) to intervention or control arms. Within each hospital, 30 nurses were randomly selected from medical and surgical wards to participate (intervention group: n = 30; control group: n = 30). The intervention group received a training session, plus access to a dedicated website—hosting categorized documentation guidelines and nursing process protocols—via unique QR codes displayed at the nursing station. Weekly follow-up was provided over two months. The control group continued routine practice. Documentation quality was assessed at baseline and post-intervention using a validated 29-item checklist.
resultsNo significant differences existed between groups at baseline (p = 0.587). Post-intervention, the intervention group’s documentation quality score (Mean = 88.37, SD = 17.71) was significantly higher than the control group’s (Mean = 68.30, SD = 17.52; p < 0.001). This represents a mean score increase of approximately 29% for the intervention group compared to the control group. The effect size was large (Cohen’s d = 1.14).
conclusionQR code-based support package significantly enhanced nursing documentation quality. This practical, low-cost, and scalable approach can serve as a viable digital support layer to improve documentation practices and patient safety in settings where comprehensive electronic health records are not feasible. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.
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