Wolters Kluwer Survey Highlights: Measuring the Real Impact of Nursing Care Models in 2026
Healthcare organizations across the United States are entering a new phase in the evolution of nursing care delivery. According to the 2026 edition of Lippincott’s annual FutureCare Nursing report released by Wolters Kluwer Health, chief nursing officers (CNOs) are no longer experimenting with care models—they are refining, scaling, and evaluating them based on measurable outcomes.
The report, based on insights from 150 senior nursing leaders, reveals a clear transformation in priorities. Instead of focusing on innovation alone, healthcare leaders are emphasizing sustainability, workforce performance, and patient-centered results. Nearly nine in ten CNOs reported that their current care models are delivering positive impacts across key performance indicators (KPIs), signaling a maturation of strategies that were once in pilot stages.
From Pilot Programs to Proven Models
Over the past few years, healthcare systems have tested a wide range of care delivery approaches, including telehealth, virtual nursing, and team-based care. While earlier efforts were exploratory, the 2026 findings indicate that organizations are now consolidating their investments around models that demonstrate real-world success.
Bethany Robertson, Clinical Executive at Wolters Kluwer Health, emphasized this transition, noting that healthcare systems are moving beyond short-term solutions. Instead, they are focusing on long-term viability—measuring success through clinical outcomes, workforce stability, and operational efficiency.
This shift is particularly important given the broader challenges facing the U.S. healthcare system, including staffing shortages, financial pressures, and uncertainty in reimbursement models. In this environment, demonstrating tangible value is critical not only for patient care but also for organizational sustainability.
Key Metrics Defining Success in 2026
One of the most significant findings of the report is the alignment among nursing leaders on what defines success. CNOs are increasingly relying on quantifiable metrics rather than subjective assessments.
Top KPIs Identified by CNOs:
- Patient outcomes (87%)
- Nurse competency (87%)
- Recruitment and retention (83%)
These metrics reflect a balanced approach that prioritizes both patient care and workforce development. Patient outcomes remain the cornerstone of healthcare quality, while nurse competency ensures that staff are equipped to deliver high-quality care. Meanwhile, recruitment and retention metrics highlight the ongoing importance of workforce stability.
Notably, nearly half (47%) of respondents described the impact of care models on patient outcomes as “very positive,” underscoring the effectiveness of current strategies.
Quality Over Quantity: Strategic Decision-Making
Today’s nursing leaders are not simply adopting more care models—they are choosing better ones. Betty Jo Rocchio, Chief Nurse Executive at Advocate Health, highlighted the importance of selecting models that can withstand real-world pressures.
Rather than being driven by trends or innovation alone, decisions are now guided by:
- Clinical quality improvements
- Workforce resilience
- Long-term sustainability
This approach ensures that care models are not only effective but also scalable. By focusing on quality over quantity, healthcare organizations can allocate resources more efficiently and achieve better outcomes for both patients and staff.
Evolution of Care Models: What’s Gaining Traction?
The report also compares planned and implemented care models from 2025 to 2026, revealing a gap between expectations and actual adoption. This comparison provides valuable insights into which models are proving most viable.
Care Model Trends:
Gaining Strong Adoption:
- Telehealth: Increased from 66% planned in 2025 to 69% currently in action
- Multidisciplinary care: Now at 84% adoption
- Collaborative care: Stable at 81%
Moderate Growth:
- Virtual nursing: 53% currently implemented
- Float pools: 45% in action
- Home healthcare: 41% adoption
Declining Future Investment:
- Planned launches for 2026 are lower across most models, indicating a shift toward optimizing existing systems rather than introducing new ones.
This trend suggests that healthcare organizations are entering a consolidation phase—focusing on refining and expanding successful initiatives instead of continuously exploring new ones.
Measuring What Matters Most
With many care models already in place, the focus has shifted to evaluating their effectiveness. Nursing leaders reported measurable improvements across a range of performance areas:
Areas of Positive Impact:
- Patient outcomes: 87%
- Nurse competencies: 87%
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: 83%
- Recruitment and retention: 83%
- Operational efficiency: 82%
- Culture change: 82%
- Workflow streamlining: 81%
- Financial management: 81%
- Nurse burnout and well-being: 75%
These findings highlight the multifaceted benefits of effective care models. Beyond improving patient outcomes, they enhance team collaboration, streamline workflows, and contribute to a healthier work environment for nurses.
Importantly, improvements in nurse competency and confidence were frequently cited as indicators of success. When nurses feel prepared and supported, the quality of care naturally improves.
Addressing Workforce Challenges Through Innovation
The nursing shortage continues to be a major concern for healthcare organizations. However, the report reveals a shift in how leaders are addressing this issue.
Nearly 90% of CNOs plan to use care models as a tool for:
- Attracting new talent
- Enhancing job satisfaction
- Improving retention rates
Rather than relying solely on traditional hiring strategies, organizations are leveraging innovative care models to create more appealing and flexible work environments.
The Rise of Non-Traditional Nursing Roles
One of the most notable trends in the report is the growing demand for nursing roles that extend beyond the traditional hospital setting.
Top Four Nursing Roles for 2026:
- Telehealth nurses (68%)
- Virtual nurses (52%)
- Internal float pool nurses (44%)
- Home health nurse coordinators (40%)
The prominence of telehealth and virtual nursing roles reflects the increasing importance of remote care. These roles enable healthcare providers to reach patients outside hospital walls, improving accessibility and continuity of care.
At the same time, positions like float pool nurses and home health coordinators support operational flexibility and resource optimization within healthcare systems.
Technology as a Key Enabler
Technology plays a central role in the success of modern care models. From telehealth platforms to data analytics tools, digital solutions enable healthcare organizations to:
- Monitor performance metrics
- Enhance communication
- Improve patient engagement
By integrating technology into care delivery, organizations can achieve greater efficiency and better outcomes. This is particularly important in an era where healthcare systems must do more with limited resources.
Methodology: Understanding the Data
The findings in the FutureCare Nursing 2026 report are based on a comprehensive survey conducted by Regina Corso Consulting. The study included 150 senior nursing leaders from hospitals and health systems across the United States.
Participants provided insights into:
- Current care models in use
- Planned initiatives
- Workforce strategies
- Performance outcomes
This robust methodology ensures that the report reflects a wide range of perspectives and provides a reliable snapshot of the current healthcare landscape.
The 2026 FutureCare Nursing report marks a turning point in how healthcare organizations approach care delivery. With nearly 90% of CNOs reporting positive impacts from their care models, it is clear that the industry is moving in the right direction.
Key takeaways include:
- A strong focus on measurable outcomes
- Increased emphasis on workforce development
- Strategic consolidation of care models
- Growing importance of remote and technology-driven roles
As healthcare continues to evolve, nursing leaders will play a critical role in shaping the future of care. By prioritizing quality, sustainability, and innovation, they are not only improving patient outcomes but also building a more resilient and adaptable healthcare system.
The shift from experimentation to execution underscores a broader transformation—one that places nurses at the center of healthcare innovation and success.
About Wolters Kluwer
Wolters Kluwer (EURONEXT: WKL) is a global leader in information solutions, software and services for professionals in healthcare; tax and accounting; financial and corporate compliance; legal and regulatory; corporate performance and ESG. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with technology and services.
Wolters Kluwer reported 2025 annual revenues of €6.1 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 21,100 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands.
Wolters Kluwer shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam (WKL) and are included in the AEX, Euro Stoxx 50, and Euronext 100 indices. Wolters Kluwer has a sponsored Level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program. The ADRs are traded on the over-the-counter market in the U.S. (WTKWY).
