Health care work environments affect patient outcomes, staff satisfaction and retention, and organizational financial viability. The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Healthy Work Environment Assessment Tool (HWEAT) is a resource for patient care units and organizations to assess the work environment and track progress on their journey to excellence. ⋯ The AACN HWEAT was both reliable and valid, supporting its interprofessional use as an organizational measure. Active evaluation of health care environments is critical to achieving optimal patient outcomes.
Jean Anne Connor, Sonja I Ziniel, Courtney Porter, Dennis Doherty, Marilyn Moonan, Patricia Dwyer, Laura Wood, and Patricia A Hickey.
Jean Anne Connor is director of nursing research, cardiovascular and critical care patient services, Boston Children's Hospital, and a clinical instructor of pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mas... more sachusetts. Sonja I. Ziniel is an assistant research professor, Section of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, and senior survey methodologist, quality and patient safety, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora. Courtney Porter is a program administration manager, cardiovascular and critical care patient services, Dennis Doherty is a professional development specialist, clinical education and informatics, Marilyn Moonan is a professional development specialist, nursing patient services, Patricia Dwyer is a nurse scientist, satellite services, and Laura Wood is senior vice president, patient care operations, and chief nursing officer, Boston Children's Hospital. Patricia A. Hickey is vice president and associate chief nursing officer, cardiovascular and critical care patient services, Boston Children's Hospital, and an assistant professor of pediatrics, Harvard Medical School. Jean.Connor@childrens.harvard.edu. less