The Assignment You Will Submit This Week Will Combine The Wo
The Assignment You Will Submit This Week Will Combine The Work You Com
The assignment requires integrating the work completed in Week 4, which involved developing an Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) plan, with additional resources and conclusion sections for the Capstone Paper. The final submission should be a 3-4 page paper that clearly communicates the practice problem, details of the EBP plan supported by scholarly references, resources necessary for implementing the plan, and a summary. The paper must adhere to academic writing standards, use scholarly sources to support interventions, and follow APA formatting guidelines.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The healthcare environment continually strives for improved patient outcomes through the integration of evidence-based practices. The identified practice problem in this project pertains to reducing hospital-acquired pressure ulcers among immobile elderly patients in the inpatient setting. These adverse events compromise patient comfort, increase length of stay, and elevate healthcare costs. The purpose of this project is to implement a targeted evidence-based intervention to minimize incidence rates of pressure ulcers, thereby enhancing patient safety and quality of care. Achieving these improvements aligns with the overarching goal of healthcare organizations to provide safe, effective, and patient-centered services.
Evidence-Based Practice Plan Explanation
The foundation of this project utilizes the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle, a recognized Quality Improvement (QI) model suitable for systematic testing and implementation of healthcare interventions. The PDSA framework comprises four phases: planning, doing, studying, and acting. In the planning phase, we will conduct a comprehensive review of current pressure ulcer prevention protocols, identifying gaps such as inconsistent skin assessments and inadequate repositioning schedules. Based on the evidence from literature indicating the efficacy of frequent repositioning and skin moisturizing (Lyder & Ayello, 2019), tailored interventions will be developed.
During the do phase, staff education on pressure ulcer risk assessment tools and repositioning techniques will be conducted. Implementation of standardized protocols, such as repositioning every two hours and the use of pressure-relieving devices, will be initiated. The study phase involves data collection on pressure ulcer incidence pre- and post-intervention, alongside staff compliance with protocols. Analysis will help determine the effectiveness of practices aligned with evidence from recent studies (Chang et al., 2020). In the act phase, successful elements will be integrated into standard care procedures, and adjustments made based on ongoing evaluation results, ensuring sustainable improvement.
This cyclical approach ensures continuous quality enhancement and adaptation to clinical realities while grounded firmly in empirical evidence. Supporting literature emphasizes the importance of systematic process evaluation and staff engagement in successful clinical practice change (Kuhn & Giuse, 2021).
Resources
Implementing this pressure ulcer prevention plan necessitates specific resources, including personnel time, educational materials, and equipment. Nursing staff require dedicated time to participate in training sessions, reassess patient risk, and execute repositioning protocols. Allocating staff hours is crucial to ensure that education does not compromise patient care and that protocols are consistently followed. Educational supplies such as pamphlets, videos, and workshops are necessary to enhance staff competency.
Material resources include pressure-relieving devices such as specialized mattresses, cushions, and support surfaces that are proven to reduce pressure points (Abe et al., 2018). The costs of acquiring these devices represent a significant investment but are justified by the long-term financial benefits from reduced ulcer treatment expenses. Additionally, implementing an electronic health record (EHR) alert system to prompt staff about repositioning schedules may involve software costs, but this technology facilitates compliance and documentation accuracy. Overall, each resource is vital for fostering an environment conducive to effective practice change and sustainable improvement outcomes.
Conclusion
In summary, this project aims to reduce hospital-acquired pressure ulcers through a structured, evidence-based intervention utilizing the PDSA model. The detailed plan incorporates staff education, standardized protocols, and necessary resources such as pressure-relieving equipment and technological support. Supporting literature underscores the importance of systematic approaches and staff engagement in achieving meaningful clinical improvements. Ensuring adequate resources and ongoing evaluation will be critical to the success and sustainability of these practice changes, ultimately enhancing patient safety and quality of care.
References
- Abe, A., Takeda, K., Yokota, M., & Goto, T. (2018). Cost-effectiveness of pressure-redistributing support surfaces for preventing pressure ulcers: A systematic review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 82, 18–25.
- Chang, C. Y., Chou, P. H., Huang, Y. C., & Lin, K. C. (2020). Effectiveness of repositioning in pressure ulcer prevention: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 76(3), 582–592.
- Kuhn, P. J., & Giuse, N. B. (2021). Strategies for sustainable healthcare improvements: Engaging staff in quality improvement initiatives. Journal of Hospital Administration, 40(4), 287–294.
- Lyder, C. H., & Ayello, E. A. (2019). Pressure ulcers and skin care: An evidence-based approach. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 35(1), 67–80.
- Spath, P. (2018). Introduction to healthcare quality management (3rd ed.). Chicago, IL: Health Administration Press.