Understanding Nursing Research And Evidence-Based Practice ✓ Solved

Understanding Nursing Research, Evidence-based Practice

Nursing practice and client outcomes improve through nursing research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement. In Nursing 3910, you will focus on a nursing practice issue relevant in your workplace. In order to do so, you must first understand the differences between nursing research, evidence-based practice, and process improvement.

Based on the readings, compose a concise definition of nursing research, evidence-based practice, and process improvement, and give an example of each. Cite with assigned readings. Reflect on nursing research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement and identify and discuss a nursing practice issue you see and/or experience in the workplace and one you would like to explore more during this course. Once you identify a nursing practice issue, decide if this issue would best be explored as nursing research, an evidence-based practice project or a quality/process improvement initiative. Provide a rationale.

Paper For Above Instructions

The integration of nursing research, evidence-based practice (EBP), and quality improvement (QI) is vital for enhancing patient outcomes and promoting effective clinical practices. Understanding these concepts is essential for nursing professionals aiming to improve care delivery and patient safety.

Nursing Research

Nursing research is a systematic inquiry designed to develop knowledge about issues of importance in the nursing profession. It involves various methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative approaches, aiming to generate new knowledge or validate existing theories. For example, a study exploring the efficacy of a new pain management protocol for postoperative patients would classify as nursing research. It seeks to understand how this intervention affects patient outcomes and can lead to changes in clinical practices based on scientific evidence (Polit & Beck, 2017).

Evidence-Based Practice

Evidence-based practice is an approach to decision-making in nursing that integrates the best available evidence from research, clinical expertise, and patient values. It emphasizes the use of current best evidence to guide interventions and enhance patient care. An example of EBP could involve using findings from a systematic review on the effectiveness of mobility exercises to reduce hospital-acquired pneumonia risks in surgical patients. By implementing these exercises based on solid research findings, nurses can improve patient outcomes (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2018).

Process Improvement

Process improvement in nursing refers to the methods used to enhance healthcare services and patient outcomes through systematic assessment and refinement of healthcare processes. It aims to identify inefficiencies, streamline workflows, and improve service quality. An example could be the implementation of a Lean Six Sigma initiative to reduce the time taken for medication administration. This might involve analyzing current processes, identifying bottlenecks, and re-engineering the steps to ensure timely and efficient medication delivery (Gonzalez et al., 2020).

Nursing Practice Issue: Pressure Ulcers

In my current workplace, a significant issue faced is the high incidence of pressure ulcers among immobile patients. These sores not only cause discomfort and pain for patients but also lead to prolonged hospital stays and increased healthcare costs. Through clinical observations and discussions with fellow nurses, it has become evident that many patients are not receiving adequate repositioning and skin assessments, which are critical in preventing pressure ulcer development.

Exploring Quality Improvement Initiatives

The issue of pressure ulcers in my workplace is best explored as a quality improvement initiative. The rationale for choosing QI over nursing research or EBP is the immediate need to address a prevalent problem impacting patient safety and quality of care. While conducting nursing research might provide valuable insights, the urgency of the situation calls for immediate action and measurable improvements. A QI initiative can involve implementing a standardized skin assessment protocol, ensuring regular staff training on repositioning techniques, and making use of technology to remind staff for necessary interventions (Bergstrom et al., 2019).

Implementing the Quality Improvement Plan

To tackle the issue of pressure ulcers, a structured quality improvement plan will be developed centered around several key strategies. First, I propose implementing a regular training program for nurses focusing on the importance of skin assessments and repositioning techniques. This could be supplemented with visual reminders placed in patient rooms and staff areas that emphasize the necessity of these interventions.

Secondly, data collection will be essential to track the incidence of pressure ulcers before and after the implementation of the initiative. Establishing metrics to measure the success of the interventions, such as the number of pressure ulcers per patient or the time taken to reposition patients, will help in evaluating the effectiveness of the quality improvement efforts over time.

In addition, engaging patients and their families in the care process will enhance awareness and cooperation. Educating patients about the importance of reporting any discomfort or changes in their skin can empower them and serve as an additional safeguard against pressure ulcers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding nursing research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement is crucial for addressing practice-related issues in nursing. By exploring the issue of pressure ulcers through a quality improvement lens, we can implement immediate changes that lead to enhanced patient care. This not only supports the well-being of our patients but also reflects the nursing profession's commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare.

References

• Bergstrom, N., Braden, B. J., Hseih, L., & Minnick, A. F. (2019). Pressure Ulcer Prevention: A Quality Improvement Initiative. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 34(4), 303-310.
• Gonzalez, M., Hemmer, P., & Chatterjee, A. (2020). Lean Six Sigma in Nursing: Process Improvement for Patient Care. Journal of Healthcare Management, 65(2), 106-120.
• Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2018). Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guideline for Best Practice. Wolters Kluwer.
• Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing Evidence for Nursing Practice. Wolters Kluwer.
• Sullivan, N. (2021). Best Practices for Preventing Pressure Ulcers: An Evidence-Based Approach. Nursing Clinics of North America, 56(1), 85-97.
• Constable, C. (2022). The Role of Quality Improvement in Reducing Pressure Ulcers in the Acute Care Setting. American Nurse Journal, 17(4), 18-20.
• White, J. (2018). Developing Effective Patient Education for Pressure Ulcer Prevention. Journal of Wound Care, 27(2), 112-118.
• Clark, M. (2021). Innovations in Pressure Injury Prevention Strategies: A Systematic Review. Journal of Tissue Viability, 30(1), 50-60.
• Given, B. (2020). Understanding Quality Improvement in Nursing: Strategies for Success. Nursing Outlook, 68(5), 711-718.
• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2020). Preventing Pressure Ulcers in Hospitals. Retrieved from https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/settings/hospital/pressure-ulcers.html