Details In Collaboration With Your Approved Course Mentor

Detailsin Collaboration With Your Approved Course Mentor You Will Id

In collaboration with your approved course mentor, you will identify a specific evidence-based practice proposal topic for the capstone project. Consider the clinical environment in which you are currently working or have recently worked. The capstone project topic can be a clinical practice problem, an organizational issue, a quality improvement suggestion, a leadership initiative, or an educational need appropriate to your area of interest as well as your practice immersion (practicum) setting.

Write a word description of your proposed capstone project topic. Make sure to include the following: The problem, issue, suggestion, initiative, or educational need that will be the focus of the project; the setting or context in which the problem can be observed; a detailed description of the problem or issue; the impact of this on the work environment, quality of care, and patient outcomes; the significance of this problem to nursing and its implications; and a proposed solution to address the issue.

You are required to retrieve and assess a minimum of 8 peer-reviewed articles related to your topic. Prepare your submission according to APA Style Guidelines. An abstract is not required. Submit your assignment via Turnitin, following the instructions provided in the Student Success Center.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of developing an evidence-based practice (EBP) capstone project requires careful identification and detailed description of a clinical problem or opportunity within a specific healthcare setting. For this project, I have collaborated with my course mentor to select a relevant clinical issue: the high incidence of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (pressure injuries) among immobile elderly patients within the medical-surgical unit where I currently practice. This issue presents a critical concern for patient safety, quality of care, and organizational efficiency, and it offers ample scope for implementing a potential evidence-based intervention.

Identification of the Problem

The focal point of this project is the persistent occurrence of pressure ulcers among patients with limited mobility, particularly elderly adults admitted to the medical-surgical unit. Pressure ulcers are localized injuries to the skin and underlying tissue, primarily caused by prolonged pressure, friction, or shear forces. Despite existing prevention protocols, rates of pressure ulcer development remain substantially high, affecting patient well-being and prolonging hospital stays. This issue reflects gaps in current pressure injury prevention practices, staff compliance, and patient education, necessitating an evidence-based approach to improve outcomes.

Context and Setting

The medical-surgical unit at my hospital serves diverse adult patients, with a significant proportion being elderly individuals with comorbidities and mobility limitations. The setting is characterized by a high patient turnover, varying staff levels, and reliance on standard pressure injury prevention protocols, including repositioning and skin assessments. However, due to staffing challenges, workload, and sometimes inconsistent adherence to protocols, the incidence of pressure ulcers remains a concern. This environment emphasizes the need for targeted interventions based on current evidence to enhance prevention practices and care delivery.

Detailed Description of the Issue

The issue centers on the insufficient adherence to pressure ulcer prevention protocols and the lack of comprehensive staff education regarding the latest evidence-based strategies. Contributing factors include inadequate patient repositioning schedules, limited staff training, and inconsistent risk assessment procedures. Additionally, a lack of patient education on pressure injury prevention and ineffective communication among team members exacerbate the problem. This multifaceted issue results in preventable injuries that compromise patient comfort, increase risk of infections, and lead to prolonged hospital stays and increased healthcare costs.

Impact on Work Environment, Care Quality, and Outcomes

This problem significantly influences the work environment by increasing staff workload due to management of preventable pressure ulcers and related complications. It diminishes staff morale when preventable injuries occur despite protocols. Patient care quality suffers through increased discomfort, risk of infections such as cellulitis and sepsis, and psychological distress associated with wounds and hospitalization. The prevalence of pressure ulcers also negatively affects hospital ratings and reimbursement, emphasizing the need for effective preventive strategies to improve patient outcomes, satisfaction, and organizational performance.

Significance and Nursing Implications

The significance of addressing pressure ulcer prevention is underscored by its status as a measurable quality indicator in healthcare. For nursing, it highlights the importance of utilizing current evidence to guide clinical practice, continuous education, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Preventing pressure ulcers aligns with nursing aims to deliver safe, patient-centered care, and reduces the risk of complications that can lead to legal and ethical concerns. Nurses play a central role in assessment, intervention, and patient education, making evidence-based prevention paramount for optimal care delivery.

Proposed Solution

The proposed solution involves implementation of a comprehensive, evidence-based pressure ulcer prevention program that includes staff training on the latest guidelines, regular risk assessments, individualized repositioning schedules, and patient education initiatives. Incorporating technological aids such as pressure-sensing beds or alarms can enhance adherence to repositioning protocols. Additionally, fostering interdisciplinary communication and creating a culture of safety and accountability are critical. Evaluation metrics will include rates of pressure ulcer incidence, staff compliance with prevention protocols, and patient satisfaction scores. This multifaceted approach aims to reduce pressure ulcer prevalence, improve patient outcomes, and enhance overall care quality in the unit.

References

  1. Beeckman, D., et al. (2017). Preventing pressure ulcers in hospitalized adults: A systematic review of evidence-based guidelines. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 26(1-2), 6–25.
  2. Lyder, C. H. (2010). Pressure ulcer prevention and management: What the evidence suggests. Journal of Wound Care, 19(8), 351–352.
  3. Ousey, K., et al. (2016). Clinical practices for pressure ulcer prevention and management: Ireland and United States practices compared. Journal of Wound Care, 25(11), 662–673.
  4. Sharma, M., et al. (2018). An evidence-based approach to pressure injury prevention. Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing, 45(5), 408–414.
  5. Black, J. M., et al. (2014). Pressure ulcers in America: Prevention and treatment. Journal of Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing, 41(3), 209–222.
  6. Gill, T., et al. (2018). Improving pressure injury prevention through staff education. Healthcare Quality, 31(4), 160–165.
  7. Vanderwee, K., et al. (2010). The impact of a multidimensional intervention on pressure ulcer incidence in nursing homes. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 58(12), 2135–2142.
  8. Dye, D., et al. (2020). Technology-assisted pressure ulcer prevention strategies. Advances in Skin & Wound Care, 33(11), 510–517.
  9. National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. (2016). Prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers: Clinical practice guideline.
  10. Coleman, S., et al. (2014). A new evidence-based approach to pressure ulcer prevention. Journal of Wound Care, 23(12), 620–626.

Related Assignments