European Hospitals Cut Nurse Burnout by 6.3% Through Magnet Model Workplace Redesign

A two-year European hospital intervention reduced nurse burnout and patient safety risks by redesigning work environments—even amid pandemic pressures.

Across 56 hospitals in Belgium, England, Germany, Ireland, Norway, and Sweden, a collaboration with 65 U.S. Magnet hospitals achieved measurable outcomes.

The initiative reported a 6.3 percentage-point reduction in nurse burnout and a 7.6 percentage-point drop in nurses’ intent to leave their roles.

Unfavorable care-quality ratings fell by 6.4 percentage points, while patient-safety ratings declined by 3.7 percentage points.

Hospitals reached full enculturation of 50% of Magnet features within two years.

Linda H. Aiken said:

"This is a playbook for every hospital leader who wants to retain staff and keep patients safe."

Walter Sermeus added:

"Clinician burnout is not inevitable... improving hospital work environments by empowering clinicians, strengthening leadership, and using evidence-based practice can reduce turnover and improve patient outcomes."

The findings were published in Medical Care (DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000002257). No independent expert commentary was included in the source.

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