Initial Discussion Post NURS 6052 – Essentials Of Evidence-B

Initial Discussion Post NURS 6052 – Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice Week 8

Evidence-based practice is a theory that consists of using research to guide decision making in clinical and nursing settings. For research to be reliable and have validity, a significant amount of data collection must first be completed. Whether a research project uses quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods design, it is essential to determine what types of information are needed. In the current healthcare environment, with an emphasis on patient satisfaction, evaluating how care is being delivered is crucial (Krietz, Winters & Pedowitz, 2016).

In this discussion, I will explore using a survey method to gather representative information from a population within a clinic setting. As an example, I am a nurse working at a local primary care facility that serves thousands of patients annually. To inform clinical decisions that improve patient care and satisfaction, five questions have been developed aimed at eliciting patient feedback. These questions are:

1. Did you feel the wait time to be seen in the office was appropriate?
2. During your visit, did you feel the nurses and staff listened to your concerns and treated you with courtesy and respect?
3. Did the provider spend enough time listening, discussing care, and answering your questions?
4. Based on your experience today, would you recommend our clinic to someone you know?
5. In your opinion, what could our clinic have done better?

To collect structured data that is self-reported and aligns with the clinic’s objectives, choosing the appropriate instrument for the patient population is vital. Self-report methods can effectively extract information that might be otherwise difficult to obtain (Polit & Beck, 2017). Allowing patients the freedom to report their experiences fosters trust and confidence that the clinic cares about meeting their needs. When researchers identify the data they need, a structured approach using a combination of open-ended and closed questions can gather comprehensive information to guide improvements (Polit & Beck, 2017).

In this scenario, a questionnaire employing both types of questions will serve as the primary data collection instrument, as this method is widely used and effective (Keough & Tanabe, 2011). Patients aged 18 and over will be invited to participate. The questionnaire, along with a pen, will be handed by the nurse at the beginning of the patient's appointment with the physician. The nurse will provide instructions to complete the questionnaire and deposit it into a designated drop-box located in the examination room after the visit. The goal is to collect 500 responses over six months.

Responses will be compiled and logged into a computer system weekly, specifically on Fridays, by the nurse manager. After accumulating the data, the results will be analyzed, and staff will be informed of the findings and their implications for enhancing patient care. Implementing changes based on this feedback requires strong support from clinical staff and providers. Since patient care is a vital aspect of healthcare, fostering teamwork and leadership initiatives aimed at improving the patient experience is essential (McNicholas et al., 2017). By working collaboratively, the clinic can achieve concurrent goals of staff satisfaction and patient satisfaction, resulting in improved healthcare outcomes.

Paper For Above instruction

Implementing effective data collection methods is fundamental to the success of evidence-based practice in nursing, especially in the context of improving patient satisfaction. Among various data collection techniques, surveys are particularly valuable for capturing patient perceptions and experiences in a healthcare setting. When designing a survey for a primary care clinic, careful consideration must be given to the choice of questions, the sampling process, and the logistics of data collection and analysis.

Survey methodology allows healthcare providers to obtain rich qualitative and quantitative data from patients efficiently. It is especially beneficial in settings where patient feedback directly influences care modifications. A well-designed survey can offer insights into patient satisfaction, identify areas needing improvement, and promote patient-centered care. In particular, self-report questionnaires are advantageous because they enable patients to express their views openly and candidly, which might be difficult to capture through observational or interview methods (Polit & Beck, 2017).

The questionnaire crafted for the clinic includes five questions, addressing key aspects of the patient experience: wait times, staff communication, provider engagement, willingness to recommend the clinic, and suggestions for improvement. These questions encompass both closed-ended items for quantitative analysis and an open-ended prompt to gather qualitative feedback, providing a comprehensive picture of patient perceptions. Such mixed-question formats align with best practices to maximize response richness and usability of data (Keough & Tanabe, 2011).

Data collection logistics are critical to ensure high response rates and data integrity. Distributing questionnaires at the start of patient appointments increases the likelihood of participation, as patients are already engaged in their care process. Also, providing clear instructions and a convenient drop-box system facilitates timely and accurate data collection. Setting a goal of 500 responses over six months provides a measurable target to assess the sample size needed to produce statistically significant and generalizable insights.

Data analysis will involve logging responses weekly, with the use of digital systems to streamline data management. Afterward, statistical analysis can identify trends and areas for improvement, which are essential for guiding quality improvement initiatives. Communicating findings to staff and involving them in the development of targeted interventions encourages a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork, vital for successfully implementing changes based on patient feedback (McNicholas et al., 2017).

In conclusion, survey-based data collection is a practical, effective method for capturing patient satisfaction within a clinical setting. When carefully designed and executed, such an approach provides actionable insights that can enhance the quality of care, improve patient experiences, and foster a culture of evidence-based practice. The success of these initiatives depends heavily on staff engagement, ongoing communication, and leadership support, which collectively contribute to a sustainable improvement process.

References

• Keough, V. A., & Tanabe, P. (2011). Survey research: An effective design for conducting nursing research. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 1(4), 37-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/S-X
• Krietz, T., Winters, B., & Pedowitz, D. (2016). The influence of wait time on patient satisfaction in the orthopedic clinic. Journal of Patient Experience, 3(2), 39-42. https://doi.org/10.1177/
• McNicholas, A., McCall, A., Werner, A., Wounderly, R., Marichak, E., & Jones, P. (2017). Improving patient experience through nursing satisfaction. Journal of Trauma Nursing, 24(6). https://doi.org/10.1097/JTN
• Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (10th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
• Keough, V. A., & Tanabe, P. (2011). Survey research: An effective design for conducting nursing research. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 1(4), 37-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/S-X
• Krietz, T., Winters, B., & Pedowitz, D. (2016). The influence of wait time on patient satisfaction in the orthopedic clinic. Journal of Patient Experience, 3(2), 39-42. https://doi.org/10.1177/
• McNicholas, A., McCall, A., Werner, A., Wounderly, R., Marichak, E., & Jones, P. (2017). Improving patient experience through nursing satisfaction. Journal of Trauma Nursing, 24(6). https://doi.org/10.1097/JTN
• Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (10th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
• Additional references would be added here to meet scholarly requirements and provide further support for the discussion points.