Discussion 2: Topic Selection And PICOT Question On Infectio
Discussion 2 Topic Selection And Picot Questiontopic Infection Contro
This discussion has several parts. The first is to select a topic and describe the topic. Select a topic that interests you as you will stay with this topic for future assignments in this course! Use the same topic for discussions and assignments! The second part is to write the PICOT question.
Then ask a question about your topic and/or PICOT of your classmates to continue the course dialogue. The assigned readings prompt you step by step how to write the PICOT. Finally, you are asked to think and write about your values related to quality and EBP and if there are any ethical considerations specific to your project. For the third question, remember the three components of EBP: research evidence, experiences, and values. You will reuse some of this discussion for future assignments to build on--that is you might re-word a few things and polish the postings and turn them into parts of future assignments.
This is acceptable for this course, so you can learn, revise, and build on your EBP project.
Paper For Above instruction
The selected project topic focuses on infection control, a critical aspect of nursing practice aimed at preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Infection control is vital in safeguarding patient safety, reducing morbidity and mortality, and decreasing healthcare costs. My interest in this topic stems from witnessing firsthand how effective infection prevention strategies can significantly improve patient outcomes. The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the prevalence of HAIs—affecting millions globally—highlight the urgent need for rigorous infection control protocols in healthcare settings. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1.7 million HAIs occur in U.S. hospitals each year, leading to nearly 100,000 deaths (CDC, 2020). This statistic underscores the importance of consistent, evidence-based infection prevention measures to protect vulnerable populations and improve nursing practice by reducing infection rates and ensuring safety.
The nursing intervention I propose involves implementing hand hygiene protocols and staff education programs to enhance adherence and reduce infection transmission. Hand hygiene is recognized as the most effective means of preventing the spread of pathogens in healthcare environments. The intervention aims to evaluate how improved hand hygiene practices among healthcare workers influence infection rates compared to standard practices. This focus aligns with ongoing efforts to bolster infection prevention through behavioral and educational strategies in nursing care.
The PICOT question that guides this project is: "In hospitalized patients (P), how does enhanced hand hygiene compliance (I) compared to standard practices (C) affect infection rates (O) within six months (T)?"
My personal value statement emphasizes that evidence-based practice (EBP) is crucial for delivering safe, effective, and patient-centered care. I believe integrating research evidence, clinical experience, and patient and family values ensures the best possible outcomes. In this project, I might question how patients and their families perceive infection control measures, particularly regarding their comfort and cultural beliefs, and how these perceptions influence adherence and outcomes. Recognizing and respecting patient values is essential in implementing sustainable and ethical infection prevention strategies in nursing practice.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Healthcare-associated Infections (HAIs). https://www.cdc.gov/hai/data/index.html
- World Health Organization. (2018). Patients for patient safety: Clean care is safer care. https://www.who.int/patientsafety/en/
- Boyce, J. M., & Pittet, D. (2002). Guideline for hand hygiene in health-care settings: Recommendations of the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee and the HICPAC/SHEA/APIC/IDSA Hand Hygiene Task Force. MMWR. Recommendations and reports, 51(RR-16), 1-56.
- WHO. (2009). WHO guidelines on hand hygiene in health care. World Health Organization.
- Magill, S. S., et al. (2014). Multistate point-prevalence survey of health care–associated infections. New England Journal of Medicine, 370(13), 1198-1208.
- Kampf, G., & Kramer, A. (2004). Epidemiologic background of hand hygiene and evaluation of the most important agents for scrubs and rubs. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 17(3), 430-446.
- Jarvis, W. R. (2014). Importance of infection prevention and control. American Journal of Infection Control, 42(10), 1050-1054.
- Edwards, J. R., et al. (2014). The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN): A critical resource for infection prevention. American Journal of Infection Control, 42(10), 1114-1119.
- Nimmo, G. R., & McGregor, A. (2005). Infection control: An essential component of nursing practice. Nursing Standard, 20(42), 49-55.
- Sax, H., et al. (2007). Achieving effective hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers: Strategies and challenges. Journal of Hospital Infection, 66(2), 107-114.