Week 6 Assignment: Evidence-Based Practice Change Process

Week 6 Assignment Evidence Based Practice Change Process Graded

The purpose of this assignment is to apply a change process using the ACE Star Model of Knowledge Transformation and a systematic review after identifying a clinical topic of concern and related nursing practice issue. The assignment involves setting up a pilot project to implement the change process, guided by the lessons from Weeks 1-6. Students are to select a clinical topic with a nursing practice issue, locate a systematic review related to that topic, and work through each step of the ACE Star Model: Discovery, Summary, Translation, Implementation, and Evaluation. The process should reflect the activities and thinking modeled by Nurse Daniel in the course illustrations. The assignment is to be completed progressively over several weeks, with feedback and support available from the instructor. Proper citation of the systematic review and related scholarly sources in APA format is required, with an emphasis on paraphrasing rather than quoting. The final deliverable is a detailed demonstration of how to translate evidence into practice change through a structured model.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is fundamental to advancing nursing care by integrating the best available evidence into clinical decision-making. The ACE Star Model of Knowledge Transformation offers a systematic process to facilitate this translation from knowledge discovery to practice implementation and evaluation. This paper demonstrates the application of the ACE Star Model to a selected nursing practice issue, supported by a thorough review of the current evidence, particularly a systematic review conducted through the CCN Library databases.

Identification of Clinical Issue

The selected clinical issue pertains to the management of pressure injuries among hospitalized patients, a significant concern due to its implications for patient morbidity, length of stay, and healthcare costs. Despite existing preventive protocols, pressure injuries remain prevalent, signaling the need for evidence-based modifications to current nursing practices. The core problem involves identifying effective interventions that can be integrated into routine care to reduce incidence rates.

Locating the Systematic Review

A systematic review titled "Preventing Pressure Injuries in Hospitalized Patients: An Evidence-Based Approach" was identified in the CCN Library databases. This review consolidates multiple studies and provides comprehensive evidence on intervention strategies, incorporating best practices, risk assessment tools, and skin care protocols. The review is critical for informing an evidence-based change, aligning with the goal of enhancing patient outcomes through validated nursing interventions.

Application of the ACE Star Model

Discovery (Star Point 1): The initial phase involves recognizing the clinical problem—persistent pressure injuries—and seeking relevant evidence. The systematic review serves as a primary resource, offering synthesized data on effective prevention strategies. This step underscores the importance of understanding the scope of the problem and what evidence currently supports best practices.

Summary (Star Point 2): The review's findings highlight key interventions such as regular repositioning, specialized support surfaces, nutritional support, and staff education. Summarizing the evidence reveals that multidisciplinary approaches and early risk assessment provide the most significant reduction in pressure injury incidence. This synthesis informs the potential modifications needed in current practice.

Translation (Star Point 3): The next step involves translating research findings into actionable steps within the clinical setting. This includes developing protocols that prioritize risk assessment tools like the Braden Scale, implementing staff training programs, and ensuring availability of pressure-redistributing devices. It requires collaboration among nurses, wound care specialists, and administration to adopt these evidence-based strategies seamlessly into routine care.

Implementation (Star Point 4): Implementing changes involves pilot testing the new protocols on a specific unit, closely monitoring compliance, and collecting data on pressure injury rates. Educating staff and providing feedback ensures adherence and adapts strategies as needed. This phase is crucial for testing the feasibility and effectiveness of the interventions before wider adoption.

Evaluation (Star Point 5): Evaluation assesses the impact of the implemented changes on patient outcomes, staff adherence, and overall feasibility. Metrics such as pressure injury incidence rates, staff compliance with protocols, and patient satisfaction are analyzed. Outcomes from this phase inform whether the change should be adopted on a larger scale or if modifications are necessary.

Conclusion

The structured approach provided by the ACE Star Model enables systematic translation of evidence into practice, ensuring interventions are grounded in the best available research. This process enhances patient safety, optimizes nursing care, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. By applying this model to pressure injury prevention, nurses can lead impactful changes that promote health and prevent harm through rigorous evidence appraisal and strategic implementation.

References

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