Aim The aim of the study was to identify the impact of a quality register in end-of-life-care, from community nurses' perspective. Background There is a lack of knowledge about the impact of such a register in end-of-life care. Method Data were collected by means of focus group interviews with a total of 12 nurses, from two communities in the western part of Sweden. Data analysis was based on grounded theory. Result Feedback is the core category that influences all other processes. Two main categories emerged: 'Becoming aware of' and 'Acting accordingly'. These influenced the nurses and led to improved quality of care. Conclusion A quality register gives the users (nurses) feedback on the care provided, which starts a process of change. Implications for nursing management The value of working with a quality register as a feedback system can be applicable to all professions working with quality assurance. The experiences will increase the motivation and understanding the value of using quality registers as a tool for enhanced quality. Further, nurse managers can use such a register as a feedback system, not only as a motivating tool when implementing a quality register, but in the evaluation of its outcomes. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.